Patterned Facade Cover Plate for Angle-Stable Color Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing technologies for solar modules used as façade elements face challenges in achieving a homogeneous color impression due to angular dependence of color under different lighting conditions, and they are economically unfeasible for non-rectangular and smaller sizes.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaically passive colored façade element with a transparent cover plate and an opaque back element, where the cover plate has a patterned region with an optical interference layer to achieve a homogeneous color impression with minimal angular dependence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If smaller and non-rectangular solar modules are produced to fit specific façade dimensions, then the façade can be more precisely customized, but material usage per unit of power output increases significantly and manufacturing costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The façade is divided into multiple modular elements, each containing solar modules of standardized sizes. These modules can be arranged in different configurations to fit various façade geometries without requiring custom-sized solar cells, thus maintaining material efficiency while achieving customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The façade elements are designed as universal modules that can serve both aesthetic customization and energy generation functions. The same standardized module design can be replicated across different façade locations and building types, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If smaller solar modules are used to match specific façade areas, then the façade design flexibility improves, but the ratio of module surface to module edge becomes unfavorable, reducing overall module efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The façade system segments the building surface into discrete modular units with standardized solar module dimensions. This allows flexible arrangement to match various façade geometries while maintaining optimal module size for efficient energy conversion, avoiding the efficiency losses associated with custom-small modules.
3Adaptability or versatility
If photovoltaically passive façade elements made of different materials are used to complement colored solar modules, then the aesthetic flexibility increases, but color contrasts and angular dependence create undesirable optical differences
Solution Approach 1:
The passive façade elements incorporate optical interference layers that generate color through physical optics rather than material absorption. This allows different materials to produce identical color impressions under varying lighting conditions and viewing angles, achieving aesthetic flexibility without compromising color homogeneity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the passive façade elements by applying interference layers with specific thicknesses and refractive indices. This enables these elements to match the color characteristics of active solar modules across different illumination conditions, ensuring visual consistency while allowing material diversity.
4Ease of manufacture
If standard module sizes are used for solar façade elements, then manufacturing costs decrease and production efficiency improves, but the ability to create homogeneous color impressions across irregular façade areas is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The passive façade elements use optical interference layers to generate color, allowing precise color matching with active solar modules. This enables homogeneous color impressions across the entire façade while maintaining standardized module dimensions for cost-effective manufacturing.
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 solution provides a façade element with a homogeneous color impression that is less dependent on light conditions and viewing angles, allowing for cost-effective production in various sizes and shapes, and can be used in combination with colored solar modules.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical interference layer which is arranged on the patterned region and is designed to reflect light within a predefined wavelength range
Data Source
AI summary
A façade element having a transparent cover plate and an opaque back element mounted on the cover plate. The cover plate has an outer surface facing the external environment and an inner surface facing the back element. The outer surface has a patterned region on which an interference layer is arranged. Alternatively, the interference layer is arranged on the inner surface. The inner surface and/or the outer surface have a patterned region having a height profile with hills and valleys. A portion of the patterned region is composed of flat segments that are inclined relative to the plane of the cover plate.