Photovoltaic Cell Spectral Filtering for Heat-Limited Efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Photovoltaic cells do not convert 100% of available light into electricity, with efficiency dependent on wavelength and temperature, leading to waste light energy being absorbed or reflected, which can decrease efficiency and affect lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising filters and mirrors that selectively transmit or reflect light energy based on wavelength, ensuring only light energy corresponding to the photovoltaic cell's band gap properties reaches the cell, while waste light energy is absorbed or reflected by the filters and mirrors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If photovoltaic cells are exposed to full spectrum light, then more light energy is available for conversion, but the cell temperature increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The spectrum is segmented into different wavelength ranges using multiple filters, each allowing only specific wavelength bands to reach the photovoltaic cell. This segmentation prevents excessive energy absorption that would cause overheating while still providing sufficient light energy for conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
Filters are introduced as intermediary components between the light source and photovoltaic cell. These filters mediate the interaction by selectively transmitting or blocking specific wavelengths, controlling both the energy input and resulting cell temperature.
2Productivity
If photovoltaic cells convert only specific wavelengths, then efficiency increases, but the quantity of usable light energy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The spectrum is divided into multiple wavelength segments, with different filters allowing different segments to pass through. This enables the system to utilize a broader range of light energy while maintaining high conversion efficiency for each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter system is designed to handle multiple wavelength ranges simultaneously, making the photovoltaic cell system universally applicable to different parts of the spectrum. This multi-functionality increases total energy utilization while preserving efficiency.
3Use of energy by moving object
If waste light energy is absorbed by the photovoltaic cell, then more energy is available for conversion, but the cell lifespan is reduced due to heat damage
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allowing waste light energy to be absorbed and converted into harmful heat, the system uses filters to redirect this energy. The harmful waste energy is converted into a beneficial resource that can be utilized without causing thermal damage to the cell.
Solution Approach 2:
Filters serve as intermediary components that intercept waste light energy before it reaches the photovoltaic cell. This mediation prevents the harmful conversion of waste energy into heat while still allowing useful energy to pass through.
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
Increases photovoltaic cell efficiency by focusing more compatible light energy onto the cell, reducing waste and maintaining optimal operating temperatures, thus enhancing energy conversion and extending cell lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
The filter may allow light energy of specific wavelengths to be transmitted to the photovoltaic cell... Light energy may strike the filter and be selectively transmitted through the filter, or may be selectively absorbed or reflected by the filter
Implementation Method 2
Light energy may strike the first mirror and be substantially reflected or partially reflected into the filter... The transmitted light energy may strike the second mirror and be substantially or partially reflected onto the photovoltaic cell
Implementation Method 3
Photovoltaic cells provide clean, non-polluting energy by converting light, either natural sunlight or artificial light, into electricity
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for increasing photovoltaic cell efficiency is provided, comprising a photovoltaic cell, a filter covering the photovoltaic cell at a first angle to the photovoltaic cell, and a mirror positioned adjacent to the filter at a second angle to the photovoltaic cell, the mirror operable to reflect light into the filter.