Self-Powered Light Converter Using Photovoltaic Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems require excessive wiring to connect electrically switchable elements to power supplies, limiting their flexibility and space efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A primary light converter that includes an electrical light conversion unit and an energy converter, such as a photovoltaic element, allowing the light converter to operate independently without wired connections, using a beam splitter to direct primary light into secondary light and electrical energy, and optionally featuring an energy storing unit, sensors, and control units for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrically switchable elements are connected via wire to power supply, then reliable power supply is achieved, but excessive wiring is needed which consumes space and limits flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply function and light conversion function into a single integrated unit. The photovoltaic element converts light directly into electrical energy that powers the light conversion materials, eliminating the need for separate wiring connections to external power supplies. This merging of functions resolves the contradiction by removing complex wiring while maintaining reliable power supply through direct optical energy conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The light converter is designed to perform multiple functions: it converts light to electrical energy via photovoltaic elements, stores energy in capacitors, controls light conversion through electrodes, and emits converted light. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate wired connections for power supply, control, and light emission, thereby reducing wiring complexity while maintaining system reliability.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple light converters are deployed, then lighting coverage is improved, but wiring requirements increase proportionally consuming more space
Solution Approach 1:
Each light converter is self-powered through integrated photovoltaic elements that convert incident light into electrical energy. The converters autonomously generate their own power, store it in capacitors, and control their light conversion operations without requiring external wired power connections. This self-service capability allows multiple converters to be deployed across large areas without proportional increases in wiring infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If wired connections are used for control, then precise control is achieved, but installation flexibility and reconfigurability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical wired connections with optical control mechanisms. Electrodes control the light conversion process through electrical fields generated within the conversion materials, eliminating the need for external wired control connections. This substitution maintains precise control capability while dramatically improving installation flexibility and reconfigurability.
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 solution reduces the need for space and increases flexibility in lighting systems by allowing the primary light converter to operate wirelessly, enabling adjustable light characteristics and energy usage based on demand, while maintaining efficient energy conversion and distribution.
Implementation Method 1
an energy converter for converting at least a part of the primary light into electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a primary light converter (1) for converting primary light (3) into secondary light (4). An electrical light conversion unit (2) converts at least a part of the primary light (3) into the secondary light (4), and an energy converter (5) converts at least a part of the primary light (3) into electrical energy, wherein the electrical light conversion unit (2) is adapted to be driven by the electrical energy from the energy converter (5). The invention relates further to a lighting apparatus comprising one or several of the primary light converters. It is not necessary to electrically connect the one or several primary light converters via a wire to an external power supply. This reduces the space required for the primary light converter and the lighting apparatus and increases the variability of possible arrangements of the one or several primary light converters and lighting systems comprising such primary light converters.