Patterned Solar Module Cover Plate for Angle-Stable Color
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Solar modules used in building-integrated applications face challenges in maintaining a homogeneous color appearance with minimal angle dependence while maximizing efficiency, as colored modules inherently reduce electrical output due to light absorption and re-emission patterns, and existing solutions like multi-ply interference layers and bionic methods are costly and not suitable for industrial production.
Innovation Solution
A solar module with a patterned cover plate and optical interference layer, where the cover plate has a patterned region on either the inner or outer surface, or both, to minimize angle-dependent color changes and maintain high efficiency by ensuring light is reflected with high intensity and filtered selectively, using a combination of patterned surfaces and optical interference layers to achieve a homogeneous color with reduced efficiency loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a solar module is designed colored to produce a homogeneous color impression, then aesthetics are improved, but the intensity of light absorbed in the semiconductor and electrical output are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies optical interference layers that create color effects through constructive and destructive interference of light waves, rather than using pigments that absorb light. The interference layers reflect specific wavelength ranges while transmitting others, producing desired color impressions without significantly reducing the intensity of light absorbed by the semiconductor for electrical power generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple layers including optical interference layers with different refractive indices, patterned cover plates, and semiconductor layers to create a composite structure. This composite design allows simultaneous achievement of aesthetic color appearance and high electrical efficiency by manipulating light paths through interference and scattering effects.
2Shape
If multi-ply interference layers are used to achieve desired color impression, then color aesthetics are improved, but production costs increase and industrial exploitation becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive multi-ply interference layers with a simpler, more cost-effective design using patterned cover plates combined with single or dual optical interference layers. This simplified approach maintains the desired color effects while significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost, enabling industrial-scale production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential color-producing function from complex multi-ply interference layers and implements it through a simplified combination of patterned surfaces and selective optical interference layers, removing unnecessary complexity while preserving the aesthetic function.
3Shape
If the color of the solar module is designed to be homogeneous, then aesthetics are improved, but the color depends on viewing angle and angle of incidence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses patterned cover plates with micro-structured surfaces that scatter and redirect light in multiple directions, creating angle-independent color effects. The patterns (such as pyramids, dots, or grooves) on the cover plate modify light paths to ensure consistent color appearance from various viewing angles and illumination conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different optical properties to different regions of the cover plate, with patterned regions designed to scatter light and uniform regions providing optical interference. This local differentiation ensures that the overall color appearance remains homogeneous and angle-independent across the entire module surface.
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 solar module with a homogeneous color appearance that is less dependent on viewing angle and position, while maintaining high efficiency by ensuring light is reflected with high intensity and filtered selectively, thus achieving a balance between aesthetics and performance.
Implementation Method 1
an optical interference layer for reflecting light within a predefined wavelength range is arranged on the inner surface
Implementation Method 2
the inner surface and/or the outer surface has in each case at least one patterned region
Implementation Method 3
solar cells electrically connected in series for photovoltaic energy generation
Data Source
AI summary
A solar module having on the front a cover plate with an outer surface and an inner surface is described. An optical interference layer for reflecting light within a predefined wavelength range is arranged on the inner surface. The inner surface and/or the outer surface have a patterned region. The patterned region has a height profile with hills and valleys, and a portion of the patterned region is composed of flat segments that are inclined relative to a plane of the cover plate.