Photovoltaic solar power plant assembly comprising an optical structure for redirecting light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photovoltaic solar power plants struggle to effectively convert diffuse sunlight into electrical power, particularly in overcast conditions, as only a fraction of reflected light from ground materials reaches the bifacial photovoltaic solar cells.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a planar optical waveguide with a photonic layer and light scattering/luminescent material to redirect and concentrate light onto photovoltaic solar cells, enhancing light emission angles and dispersion within the waveguide to increase photon density and power yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If ground materials with high diffuse reflection are used to increase power output, then the power output of bifacial photovoltaic solar cells is increased, but only a fraction of the reflected light reaches the photovoltaic solar cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical structure as an intermediary component between the ground material and the photovoltaic cells. This optical structure includes light redirecting elements that capture diffusely reflected light and redirect it toward the photovoltaic cells, thereby increasing the fraction of reflected light that reaches the cells and improves overall light transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the optical parameters of the system by using ground materials with specific reflectivity characteristics and configuring optical structures with particular geometric parameters (such as redirecting element angles and dimensions). These parameter changes optimize the light path and increase the amount of reflected light reaching the photovoltaic cells.
2Power
If direct sunlight is used for energy generation, then power output is high, but in overcast areas the amount of direct sunlight is strongly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a system that functions effectively under multiple lighting conditions - both direct sunlight and diffuse overcast light. The optical structure is designed to capture and redirect light from various angles and sources, making the photovoltaic system universally effective across different weather conditions and maintaining power output whether direct or diffuse light is available.
3Adaptability or versatility
If vertically mounted bifacial photovoltaic solar cells are used, then agricultural usage of the area can be combined, but only direct energy irradiation is utilized effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The optical structure acts as an intermediary that enhances the photovoltaic cells' ability to utilize diffuse sunlight without interfering with the vertical mounting configuration needed for agricultural compatibility. The light redirecting elements capture diffuse light from various angles and guide it to the cells, improving diffuse sunlight conversion while maintaining the space-efficient vertical arrangement.
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 optical structure improves the conversion of diffuse sunlight into electrical power by concentrating and redirecting light onto solar cells, thereby increasing the power output of photovoltaic solar power plants.
Implementation Method 1
a planar optical waveguide, wherein the planar optical waveguide comprises a first and second planar waveguide surface which are substantially parallel to each other
Implementation Method 2
a light scattering and/or luminescent material, which material is arranged as particles in the planar optical waveguide
Implementation Method 3
a light scattering and/or luminescent material, which material is arranged as particles in the planar optical waveguide
Implementation Method 4
Photovoltaic solar cells are used to convert solar energy, in the form of sun light, which impinges onto the solar cells, into electrical power
Data Source
AI summary
A photovoltaic solar power plant assembly and a method of using the assembly to generate power are disclosed. The assembly includes an array of photovoltaic solar modules arranged in a solar module surface, and an optical structure for redirecting light towards the solar module surface, having redirected light emitting surface. The optical structure includes a planar optical waveguide which has a parallel first and second planar waveguide surfaces, wherein the first planar waveguide surface extends parallel to the redirected light emitting surface, wherein the first planar waveguide surface is at least partially covered by a photonic layer which is configured to provide an angular restriction of a light emission from the planar waveguide through the redirected light emitting surface, a light scattering and/or luminescent material, which material is arranged as particles in the planar optical waveguide and/or in a layer which at least partially covers the second planar waveguide surface.