Photoanode Solar Battery Integration to Cut Storage Losses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional solar photovoltaic systems face inefficiencies due to separate components for energy generation and storage, leading to significant energy losses and complex system architectures, which are further complicated by the need for battery management and energy management systems.
Innovation Solution
A rechargeable electrochemical energy storage device, such as a metal ion solar battery (MISB) or proton solar battery (PSB), is developed, integrating solar energy generation and storage capabilities within a single device using a photoanode made of materials like TiO2 or other photocatalysts, with a dual-functioning photoelectrode and charge recombination blocking layer, allowing for energy storage and power release on demand, even at night.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate solar photovoltaic panels and battery systems are connected to achieve energy generation and storage, then both solar production and energy storage capabilities are provided, but significant energy losses occur and system architecture becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines solar photovoltaic energy generation and battery energy storage into a single integrated device. The solar cell layer is directly coupled with the battery electrodes, eliminating the need for separate systems and external connections. This integration reduces energy losses that occur in traditional separate systems while providing both energy generation and storage capabilities in one unified structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate solar photovoltaic panels and battery systems are connected to achieve energy generation and storage, then both solar production and energy storage capabilities are provided, but system architecture becomes complex requiring battery management system and energy management system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges solar photovoltaic energy generation and battery energy storage into a single integrated device. The solar cell layer is directly coupled with the battery electrodes, eliminating the need for separate systems and external connections. This integration reduces energy losses that occur in traditional separate systems while providing both energy generation and storage capabilities in one unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated solar battery device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it generates electricity through the solar cell layer and stores energy through the battery electrodes. The device can operate in multiple modes including solar charging, grid charging, power delivery to loads, and discharge during nighttime or cloudy conditions, eliminating the need for separate battery management and energy management systems.
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar photovoltaic systems are used for energy generation, then renewable energy is provided, but energy generation is limited by diurnal cycle and weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates energy storage capability directly into the solar device, allowing it to accumulate energy during sunny periods for later use. The battery component stores excess solar energy generated during the day, enabling the system to provide power during nighttime or cloudy conditions when solar generation is limited or unavailable, thereby improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines solar photovoltaic energy generation and battery energy storage into a single integrated device. The solar cell layer is directly coupled with the battery electrodes, eliminating the need for separate systems and external connections. This integration reduces energy losses that occur in traditional separate systems while providing both energy generation and storage capabilities in one unified structure.
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 integrated system simplifies architecture, minimizes energy losses, and provides reliable, dispatchable renewable energy by enabling simultaneous solar energy generation and storage, with enhanced charging and discharging capabilities under both light and external power sources.
Implementation Method 1
Solar photovoltaic (PV) cells convert solar radiant energy into electricity
Implementation Method 2
a photoanode made of a material selected from a group consisting of TiO2 or other photocatalyst materials
Data Source
AI summary
A photo rechargeable electrochemical energy storage device, a power generation device, and a method for fabricating the photo rechargeable electrochemical energy storage device in a mostly unrestricted atmospheric environment are disclosed. The power generation device including a rechargeable electrochemical energy storage device including a photoanode arranged beneath a transparent electrode, the photoanode comprising an oxide of titanium; and a micro-power conversion controller configured to control delivery of power under load, and recharge the rechargeable electrochemical energy storage device when not under rated load and when the transparent electrode is exposed to sufficient light and/or grid power is available.