Resonant Energy Augmentation Structures for UV-IR Solar Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar cell technologies struggle to efficiently convert a wide range of the solar spectrum into usable energy, particularly ultraviolet and infrared wavelengths, leading to inefficiencies and heat generation, while existing enhancement methods like plasmonics and concentrators have limited effectiveness and waste heat issues.
Innovation Solution
The use of energy augmentation structures, such as non-plasmonic resonators and fractal antennas, to enhance electromagnetic energy capture and conversion, combined with luminescent materials, to shift and augment electromagnetic energy for improved solar cell efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional solar cells are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but energy conversion efficiency is reduced due to limited ultraviolet light absorption and uneven energy distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell structure is segmented by introducing energy augmentation structures (such as plasmonic nanoparticles, photonic crystals, or metamaterials) as separate functional layers or components. These structures are integrated into the solar cell to create localized electromagnetic field enhancement regions, allowing the base solar cell structure to remain relatively simple while adding targeted functionality to improve ultraviolet light absorption and energy distribution uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite material structures combining conventional solar cell materials with advanced functional materials such as plasmonic metals (silver, gold), photonic crystal materials, or metamaterials. These composite structures create synergistic effects where the energy augmentation structures enhance electromagnetic field distribution and ultraviolet light absorption, thereby improving overall energy conversion efficiency without requiring complete redesign of the solar cell architecture.
2Use of energy by moving object
If energy augmentation structures are introduced to enhance electromagnetic field intensity, then light absorption is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Energy augmentation structures are strategically positioned in specific regions of the solar cell where electromagnetic field enhancement is most needed, such as at the front surface for ultraviolet light absorption or in intermediate layers for energy distribution uniformity. This localized approach allows significant improvement in light absorption efficiency without adding complexity to the entire device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses partial coverage of energy augmentation structures rather than complete coverage, applying them only in regions where they provide the most benefit. For example, plasmonic nanoparticles may be applied only in the ultraviolet-absorbing layer or at specific patterns, reducing material costs and structural complexity while still achieving enhanced light absorption efficiency in critical regions.
3Loss of energy
If conventional light collection methods are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but waste heat generation increases due to uneven energy distribution
Solution Approach 1:
Energy augmentation structures serve as intermediary elements between incident light and the solar cell active layers. These structures (such as photonic crystals or metamaterials) mediate the energy distribution by creating localized electromagnetic field enhancement and directing energy more uniformly across the solar cell, thereby reducing hot spots and waste heat generation while maintaining relatively simple overall device structure.
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
Enhances the conversion of a broader spectrum of electromagnetic energy, including UV and IR, into usable energy, reducing waste heat and improving overall solar cell efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an energy augmentation structure capable of capturing one or more wavelengths of electromagnetic energy, and augmenting the one or more wavelengths of electromagnetic energy in at least one property... one or more of an electromagnetic resonator structure, a folded resonator structure, and a fractal structure having a region of an intensified electromagnetic field within the structure
Implementation Method 2
at least one energy converter capable of receiving an applied electromagnetic energy, converting the applied electromagnetic energy and emitting therefrom an emitted electromagnetic energy shifted in wavelength or energy from the applied electromagnetic energy
Data Source
AI summary
An emission enhancement structure having at least one energy augmentation structure; and an energy converter capable of receiving energy from an energy source, converting the energy and emitting therefrom a light of a different energy than the received energy. The energy converter is disposed in a vicinity of the at least one energy augmentation structure such that the emitted light is emitted with an intensity larger than if the converter were remote from the at least one energy augmentation structure. Also described are various uses for the energy emitters, energy augmentation structures and energy collectors in a wide array of fields, especially in the field of solar cells and other energy conversion devices.