Segmented Albedometer Arrays For Bifacial Geometric-Spectral Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing albedometers are large, expensive, and lack spectral and geometric resolution, leading to inaccurate measurements of solar irradiance, especially for bifacial solar cells, which affect the optimization of energy yield.
Innovation Solution
A geometrically and spectrally resolved albedometer with multiple arrays of photo-detecting cells and a 3D image forming device to measure and process light in different directions, providing precise spectral and geometric data for optimizing solar cell performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pyranometer is used to measure broadband irradiance, then measurement accuracy is improved, but spectral selectivity is lost and directional information is very low
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the photo-detecting surface into multiple spatially separated cells arranged in arrays. Each cell measures irradiance from specific directional ranges, enabling geometric resolution. The segmentation allows simultaneous measurement of broadband irradiance (maintaining pyranometer accuracy) while capturing directional and spectral information through the spatial arrangement and filtering of individual cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds geometric/directional dimension to traditional broadband irradiance measurement by arranging photo-detecting cells in spatial arrays with specific orientations. This transforms a single scalar measurement into a distributed set of measurements that encode both magnitude and directional information, effectively adding a geometric dimension to the measurement space.
2Loss of information
If a calibrated Si PV-cell is used to measure irradiance, then spectral information is obtained, but measurement accuracy is influenced by spectral effects
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple photo-detecting cells are segmented across different spatial positions and orientations. Each cell captures irradiance from specific angular ranges, allowing the system to reconstruct both spectral characteristics and geometric distribution. This segmentation enables discrimination between spectral effects and geometric effects on measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system varies measurement parameters by using cells with different orientations and positions to capture irradiance from different directions. By changing the geometric parameters of measurement (angular ranges, spatial positions) rather than relying on a single cell's spectral response, the system achieves spectral information without the accuracy limitations of single-cell spectral measurement.
3Measurement precision
If multiple arrays of photo-detecting cells are used to achieve spectral and geometric resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The photo-detecting cells serve multiple functions simultaneously: they measure broadband irradiance magnitude, determine directional information through their spatial arrangement, and provide spectral characteristics through their combined response. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate measurement instruments, offsetting the complexity of having multiple cells with a single integrated device.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges spectral measurement, geometric measurement, and irradiance magnitude measurement into a single integrated device. By combining these functions that would traditionally require separate instruments (spectrophotometer, geometric sensor, pyranometer) into one unified photo-detecting array system, the overall system complexity is managed while achieving high measurement precision.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional albedometers are used for bifacial module optimization, then cost is reduced, but spectral and geometric resolution is insufficient for accurate energy yield prediction
Solution Approach 1:
The use of standard photo-detecting cells (such as commercial PV cells) segmented into arrays provides an cost-effective approach compared to traditional expensive spectrophotometers. The segmentation into multiple cells achieves the required resolution without requiring costly specialized instrumentation for each measurement dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs relatively inexpensive photo-detecting cells (such as standard silicon PV cells) rather than expensive specialized sensors. These commercially available cells provide sufficient performance for the application at a fraction of the cost of traditional research-grade spectrophotometers, making the system cost-effective for widespread deployment in bifacial module optimization.
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 albedometer provides accurate, cost-effective measurements of solar irradiance, enhancing energy yield prediction and optimization by considering spectral and geometric light distribution.
Implementation Method 1
each solar cell adapted to receive direct or reflected solar light, respectively, and providing an electrical signal in response thereto
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is in the field of a geometrically and spectrally resolved albedometer for a PV-module, a method of determining characteristics of reflected light, a method of optimizing reflected light performance of a solar cell, and a computer program for geometrically and spectrally resolving light.