OPV Window I-V Curve Reshaping for Standard Power Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in developing transparent solar cells lies in the low mechanical flexibility and high module cost of inorganic semiconductors, as well as the band-like absorption that limits their utility, while organic and molecular semiconductors exhibit strong absorption in the visible spectrum, making them unsuitable for window glass-based photovoltaics.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a thin-film organic photovoltaic (OPV) layer on a glass unit with a fixed ratio converter that reshapes the current-voltage (I-V) curve, allowing the use of off-the-shelf power electronics for controlling and regulating electric power, thereby reducing the need for customized controllers and enhancing safety and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inorganic semiconductors are used for photovoltaic devices, then mechanical strength and stability are improved, but mechanical flexibility and adaptability to window glass applications deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from inorganic to organic semiconductor, which fundamentally alters the mechanical properties to achieve flexibility and adaptability for window glass applications while maintaining photovoltaic functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite material structures including organic semiconductor layers combined with transparent electrodes and encapsulation layers to create a device that is both mechanically flexible and suitable for window integration
2Use of energy by moving object
If organic semiconductors with strong visible absorption are used, then light absorption capability is improved, but transparency for window glass applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the organic semiconductor absorb strongly in specific wavelength regions (UV and NIR) while remaining transparent in the visible spectrum, creating spatially selective optical properties that satisfy both power generation and transparency requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes selective optical absorption characteristics of organic materials to achieve desired visual transparency while maintaining energy conversion capability through absorption in non-visible spectral regions
3Adaptability or versatility
If thin-film OPV layers with high output voltage are used, then compatibility with power electronics is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for voltage conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fixed ratio converter as an intermediary device between the thin-film OPV layer and the controller, which simplifies the interface requirements and enables use of standard off-the-shelf power electronics components
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the voltage parameter through a fixed ratio converter that transforms the high output voltage of the thin-film OPV layer to levels compatible with standard power electronics, thereby reducing device complexity
4Measurement precision
If customized controllers are designed for OPV windows, then control precision is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing the system to work with off-the-shelf power electronics controllers through the fixed ratio converter, allowing the same controller to handle multiple OPV window units with varying characteristics, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and complexity
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 enables the generation of electric power with higher output voltage, compatible with existing power electronics, while maintaining transparency and reducing installation complexity, thus overcoming the limitations of conventional silicon PV panels.
Implementation Method 1
Photovoltaic (PV) devices are commonly employed to convert light into electricity by using the PV effect, in which absorbed light causes the excitation of an electron or other charge carrier to a higher-energy state.
Implementation Method 2
The fixed ratio converter is configured to convert the output voltage to a converted voltage. Correspondingly, the output current is converted to a converted current.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and method for reshaping current-voltage (I-V) curves are provided. A photovoltaic system is exposed to a light source. The photovoltaic system includes one or more photovoltaic modules configured to generate electric energy from light incident on the one or more photovoltaic modules. The one or more photovoltaic modules can include thin-film organic photovoltaic layers disposed on glass units of windows. An output voltage of each photovoltaic module is converted up or down to a converted voltage via a fixed ratio converter. The I-V curve of the photovoltaic module is reshaped based on the converted voltage and corresponding converted current. The maximum power point of the photovoltaic module can be tracked based on the reshaped I-V curve.