Photovoltaic Cell Cover Layer for Accurate Laser Power Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic cells face challenges in efficiently converting laser power into electrical energy due to the tradeoff between Ohmic losses and optical losses, inaccurate power measurement, and safety concerns from reflected light, particularly when illuminated from different angles or by extraneous light sources.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a photovoltaic cell with rounded or triangular conductors, a high-refractive-index cover layer with anti-reflective coatings, and a control system to measure and adjust laser power independently of illumination direction, recycling reflected light and minimizing Ohmic losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laser power measurement is used for safety control, then system safety is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to illumination from different angles and extraneous light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs wavelength-selective filtering based on the specific wavelength of the laser beam. By using optical filters that only transmit the laser's wavelength and block other wavelengths, the system accurately measures laser power while ignoring extraneous light sources such as sunlight or ambient lighting, thereby maintaining measurement precision for safety control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wavelength-selective optical filters as intermediary elements between the photodetector and the incoming light. These filters act as mediators that allow only the laser wavelength to reach the detector, blocking other wavelengths from extraneous sources and ensuring accurate power measurement for safety purposes.
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
This design enhances efficiency, accuracy, and safety by reducing optical losses, improving power measurement, and ensuring safe operation by diffusing reflections and blocking unwanted wavelengths, thereby optimizing power conversion and system control.
Implementation Method 1
The cover layer has an anti-reflective coating adapted to reduce the reflection of the beam
Implementation Method 2
Photovoltaic cells, known as PV cells, are designed and used in many systems to convert light (visible or invisible) into electrical energy
Implementation Method 3
The cover layer has a high index of refraction, preferably above 1.6
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless optical power transmission system comprising a transmitter and receiver, the transmitter comprising a laser emitting a beam, a scanning mirror for steering the beam towards said receiver and a control unit receiving signals from a detection unit on the receiver and controlling the beam power and the scanning mirror. The receiver has a photovoltaic cell having a bandgap energy of 0.75-1.2 eV, with a plurality of conductors on a beam receiving surface. A cover layer of material blocking illumination of wavelengths outside that of the laser, is disposed on the photovoltaic cell. The cover layer may have anti-reflective coatings on its top and bottom surfaces. The detection unit thus generates a signal representing the power of the laser beam impinging upon the receiver, independent of illuminations other than that of said laser beam. The control unit thus can maintain the laser power impinging on the receiver.