Selective LED Illumination for Photovoltaic Cell Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for improving the efficiency of silicon heterojunction photovoltaic cells are energy-intensive, requiring high lighting intensity and cooling, which is inefficient and costly.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a matrix of individually controllable light sources, such as LEDs, that illuminates the photovoltaic cells based on image analysis to selectively activate or deactivate light sources according to the cell's shape and position, optimizing energy use and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high lighting intensity is used to improve photovoltaic cell efficiency, then conversion efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by dividing the illumination into selective zones based on image analysis. Only specific regions of the photovoltaic cell that require treatment are illuminated, while other regions remain dark. This localized approach maintains the efficiency-improving illumination where needed while minimizing overall energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary illumination of entire cell surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial action by applying illumination only to the necessary portions of the photovoltaic cell rather than the entire surface. The illumination is applied partially based on detected cell features and positioning, providing sufficient light intensity for efficiency improvement in critical areas without the excessive energy consumption that would result from full-surface illumination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Reliability

If high lighting intensity is applied to improve efficiency, then conversion efficiency is improved, but cooling requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion efficiencyVSAvoidcooling requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

By implementing localized illumination only in specific zones of the photovoltaic cell, the patent reduces the total heat generation compared to full-surface high-intensity illumination. This localized approach maintains the efficiency benefits in treated areas while minimizing the overall thermal load, thereby reducing cooling requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If continuous illumination is used to treat photovoltaic cells, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but energy waste increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidenergy waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action through pulsed or intermittent illumination based on conveyor position detection and image analysis. Illumination is activated only when and where photovoltaic cells are properly positioned and require treatment, rather than continuous illumination. This timing-based control maintains treatment effectiveness while eliminating energy waste during periods when cells are not in position or do not require illumination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from image capture and cell position detection to control illumination activation. The illumination system responds to detected cell presence, positioning, and characteristics by adjusting when and where to apply light. This feedback loop ensures illumination is applied only when necessary for treatment effectiveness, preventing energy waste from continuous or misplaced illumination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 approach reduces energy consumption while enhancing the efficiency of photovoltaic cells by adapting illumination to the cell's specific shape and size, providing a more efficient and cost-effective treatment method.

Implementation Method 1

A method involving a matrix of individually controllable light sources, such as LEDs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission from LEDs: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

Processing method for increasing efficiency of photovoltaic cell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4633035A1Processing method for increasing efficiency of photovoltaic cell
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP4633035A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4633035A1 patent drawingFigure 3A
  • EP4633035A1 patent drawingFigure 3B

AI summary

The invention relates to a treatment method for increasing the efficiency of a photovoltaic cell (1), comprising steps of: - Positioning the photovoltaic cell (1) on a conveyor (3) along which a matrix of light sources is positioned, - Acquiring an image (IMG) of the photovoltaic cell (1) on the conveyor (3) using a camera (4), - Dividing the acquired image into several zones, called first zones to be illuminated and second zones not to be illuminated, - Creating a control sequence for the light sources of the matrix using the image divided into several zones, - Said control sequence being defined by several successive instants, - At each instant of the control sequence and from the image divided into several zones,putting each light source located opposite a first area to be illuminated defined on the acquired image into the active state and putting each light source located opposite a second area not to be illuminated defined on the acquired image into the inactive state.,