Photovoltaic Concentration Module Characterization via Inverted Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Characterizing photovoltaic concentration modules is challenging due to the need for precise angular transmission function measurements, which are influenced by misalignments and manufacturing defects, and current methods are either weather-dependent or require expensive and complex setups for indoor simulations.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that allows evaluating the optical element of each solar cell-optical element group separately by using an optical collimator, cameras, and a power supply to emit light, capturing images at different angles of incidence, and processing these images to determine the impulse response function, which then convolves to the angular transmission function, independent of external light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If outdoor measurement with solar tracker is used to obtain angular transmission function, then measurement can be performed under real sunlight conditions, but measurement becomes weather-dependent and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a solar simulator that copies the spectral and angular characteristics of sunlight to illuminate the photovoltaic concentration module indoors. This allows obtaining the angular transmission function without depending on weather conditions or outdoor sunlight availability, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement reliability and time loss.
2Measurement precision
If conventional angular transmission measurement is performed by rotating the module, then complete angular characteristics can be obtained, but expensive rotary structures and collimated illumination systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the module to measure angular transmission, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the module fixed and rotating the solar simulator illumination source. This allows obtaining the same angular transmission function data without requiring expensive rotary structures supporting the module or complex collimated illumination systems, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If individual elementary units are characterized separately to detect misalignments, then detailed optical quality information can be obtained, but characterization of all units becomes expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the photovoltaic concentration module into individual elementary units (lens-cell assemblies) and characterizes each unit separately by analyzing its specific contribution to the overall output. The solar simulator illuminates the module while cameras capture images of each elementary unit's performance at different angles, allowing detailed misalignment detection without requiring complex separate measurement setups for each unit, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
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
Enables instantaneous characterization of photovoltaic concentration modules and their elementary units, providing detailed misalignment information without the need for expensive rotary structures or collimated illumination systems, and is applicable to all manufactured modules, regardless of illumination conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an optical collimator defining a focal plane oriented perpendicular to a focal axis of the optical collimator and positioned passing through a focal point of the optical collimator
Implementation Method 2
each of the cameras has an optical element focused on the module
Implementation Method 3
photovoltaic concentration modules use optical devices to increase the intensity of light striking the cells
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a device suitable for characterizing photovoltaic concentration modules which allows obtaining the angular transmission function both of the module and of each group formed by cell and optical element, as well as for assessing the optical quality of the module.