Semiconductor Solar Simulator with Multi-Wavelength Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Xenon flash lamps used for testing solar cells suffer from poor reproducibility, short lifespan, high energy consumption, and a fixed emission spectrum that cannot be adjusted, leading to inefficient use of energy and limited applicability in simulating solar irradiation.
Innovation Solution
A solar simulator comprising a luminous module with semiconductor light sources, a light-concentrating primary optical unit, a light-homogenizing secondary optical unit, and an imaging tertiary optical unit, allowing for the generation of light in multiple controllable wavelength ranges, providing homogeneous and accurate spectral distribution over a large area, and enabling adjustable color locus and intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If xenon flash lamps are used for testing solar cells, then high power can be achieved, but energy consumption is high and lifespan is short
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces xenon flash lamps (gas discharge light sources) with semiconductor light sources (LEDs), substituting a mechanical/electromagnetic system with a solid-state system that converts electrical energy to light more efficiently, reducing energy consumption while maintaining required power output
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the light source by using multiple semiconductor LEDs with different spectral characteristics instead of a single xenon lamp, enabling efficient energy conversion across multiple wavelength ranges that can be individually controlled
2Power
If xenon flash lamps are used, then high power is achieved, but lamp lifetime is short
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the fragile xenon flash lamp system with robust semiconductor LED modules that have no filament or gas discharge components, eliminating the primary failure mechanisms and dramatically extending operational lifetime while maintaining high power output
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple individual semiconductor LED modules that can be independently replaced if needed, rather than relying on a single long-lived high-power source, allowing for modular replacement and extended system availability
3Power
If xenon flash lamps are used, then high power is achieved, but reproducibility of cyclic measurements is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light source into multiple independent semiconductor LED modules, each capable of being controlled separately, allowing precise reproduction of measurement cycles without the capacitor charge influence that affects xenon lamps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of multiple semiconductor light sources with independently adjustable parameters, enabling flexible and reproducible measurement cycles that can be precisely repeated without the degradation issues of xenon flash lamps
4Power
If xenon flash lamps are used, then high power is achieved, but the emission spectrum is fixed and cannot be tracked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spectrum into multiple wavelength ranges, each covered by dedicated semiconductor LED modules, allowing independent adjustment and tracking of different spectral components to match solar spectrum variations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic spectral control by independently adjusting the intensity and wavelength characteristics of multiple semiconductor light sources, enabling the emission spectrum to be tracked and adapted to match changing solar conditions
5Power
If xenon flash lamps are used, then high power is achieved, but energy is wasted in wavelength ranges where solar cells are not active
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using semiconductor LEDs with spectrally targeted emission characteristics that match the active ranges of solar cells, concentrating energy output only where it is needed and useful for the application
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spectral parameters of the light source to match the absorption characteristics of solar cells, using multiple semiconductor LEDs with different wavelength outputs that correspond to the active bands of the photovoltaic material
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 solution enables reproducible, high-power, and spectrally homogeneous light distribution, effectively simulating solar irradiation with adjustable color and intensity, improving the efficiency and accuracy of solar cell testing while reducing energy consumption and extending the lifespan of the simulator.
Implementation Method 1
each of the light generating units has at least one semiconductor light source with a light-concentrating primary optical unit disposed downstream
Implementation Method 2
light-concentrating primary optical unit
Implementation Method 3
light-concentrating primary optical unit
Implementation Method 4
light-homogenizing secondary optical unit
Implementation Method 5
light-homogenizing secondary optical unit
Implementation Method 6
imaging tertiary optical unit
Data Source
AI summary
A solar simulator with at least one lamp module, where the luminous module contains multiple light generating units is disclosed. Each of the light generating units contain at least one semiconductor light source, which generate light in a plurality of separately controllable wavelength ranges. Disposed downstream from the light generating units is a light-concentrating primary optical unit. A light-homogenizing secondary optical unit is likewise disposed downstream of the light generating units. And an imaging tertiary optical unit is disposed downstream of the secondary optical unit. A method for operating the solar simulator and the light generating units in such a way that the solar simulator generates light radiation that alters over time is also disclosed.