Photovoltaic Composite Pane With Diffusion Layer for Shadow Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laminated glass with integrated photovoltaic components in buildings or vehicles experiences undesirable shadow patterns due to gaps between photovoltaic panels, causing uneven lighting and potential discomfort or health issues from moving shadows.

Innovation Solution

A composite glass unit with a low-iron content outer pane, photovoltaic components, and a diffusion element on the inner side of the photovoltaic components to diffuse incoming radiation, reducing shadow formation and providing uniform illumination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If photovoltaic components are embedded in the interlayer of laminated glass, then electrical energy generation is enabled, but shadow patterns and uneven lighting are created in the interior space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical energy generationVSAvoiduniformity of lighting
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

A diffusion element is introduced as an intermediary component between the photovoltaic module and the interior space. This diffusion element scattersthe light passing through the cell spaces, transforming the direct light into diffused light, thereby eliminating shadow patterns while preserving the light-transmitting function and electrical energy generation capability of the photovoltaic system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The diffusion element is selectively positioned only in the cell spaces between photovoltaic cells, not covering the entire photovoltaic module. This local application allows light to pass through the photovoltaic cells for energy generation while simultaneously diffusing light in the intercellular regions to eliminate shadows, creating different optical qualities in different locations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Illumination intensity

If gaps are left between photovoltaic cells for light transmission, then interior illumination is enabled, but shadow patterns and moving shadows are created causing discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterior illuminationVSAvoidshadow patterns and moving shadows
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The diffusion element acts as a mediator in the cell spaces, receiving direct light from the gaps between photovoltaic cells and transforming it into diffused light. This eliminates the harmful shadow patterns and moving shadows while maintaining the beneficial interior illumination, converting a harmful optical effect into a useful one

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Illumination intensity

If a diffusion element is added to diffuse light and reduce shadows, then lighting uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniformity of lightingVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The diffusion element is implemented as a thin film or coating layer integrated into the interlayer of the laminated glass structure. This thin-film approach adds minimal structural complexity while effectively achieving light diffusion. The diffusion element can be applied as a coating on the inner pane or integrated into the interlayer material, maintaining the overall simplicity of the laminated glass construction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 effectively minimizes shadow patterns and enhances interior comfort by ensuring more uniform lighting, improving the generation efficiency of electrical energy and thermal comfort.

Implementation Method 1

a diffusion element is provided on a side of the at least one photovoltaic component facing away from the outer pane in order to diffusely refract radiation entering from an outside through the outer pane and passing through the cell spaces of the photovoltaic module before it enters an interior space

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffuse refraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

at least one photovoltaic component, wherein the at least one photovoltaic component is a photovoltaic module with a plurality of interconnected photovoltaic cells

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4674619A1Photovoltaic composite panel for reducing shade formation
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 SAINT GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE
  • EP4674619A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4674619A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4674619A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a composite pane (100) for reducing shadow formation in an interior space, the composite pane (100) comprising at least in the following sequence: - an outer pane (1) with an outer surface and an inner surface (I, II), wherein the outer pane (1) is a glass pane with a low iron content, - an outer intermediate layer (3), - at least one photovoltaic component (4), wherein the at least one photovoltaic component (4) is a photovoltaic module with a plurality of interconnected photovoltaic cells (4.1) and cell spaces (4.2) formed between these photovoltaic cells (4.1), - an inner intermediate layer (5), and - an inner pane (2) with an outer surface and an inner surface (III, IV), wherein a diffusion element (9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4) is provided on a side of the at least one photovoltaic component (4) facing away from the outer pane (1).4) is provided which radiation entering from an outside through the outer pane (1) and passing through the cell spaces (4.2) of the photovoltaic module diffusely refracts before entering the interior.