Integrated Solar Cell and Battery with Nanoscale Thermal Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex systems integrating structural and non-structural components, such as those in vehicles, suffer from reduced performance, durability issues, and increased costs due to numerous connectors and interconnections, which lead to performance degradation and thermal management challenges.
Innovation Solution
An integrated solar cell and battery device utilizing Nanoscale materials for thermal and electrical conductivity, where Nanotubes and Nanowires direct thermal energy from the solar cell to the battery and an external heat sink, and electrical charge is controlled through conductive paths, reducing the need for external connectors and improving system integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If structural and non-structural components are integrated into a single device, then system complexity and number of connectors are reduced, but manufacturing precision and integration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges structural components (solar cells, thermal management layers) and non-structural components (battery, electrical circuits) into a single integrated device. The solar cells are positioned in direct contact with thermal management layers, eliminating the need for separate connectors and reducing system complexity while maintaining functional integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures where solar cells are integrated with thermal management layers and battery components. The use of nanoscale materials and multi-layer composite structures enables simultaneous achievement of structural integrity, thermal conductivity, and electrical functionality within a unified device architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connectors and interconnections are used to integrate components, then functional integration is achieved, but reliability and durability decrease due to performance degradation over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for separate connectors and interconnection components by designing direct contact interfaces between solar cells and thermal management layers. This removal of intermediary connectors reduces potential failure points and improves long-term reliability while maintaining functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device structure enables components to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The thermal management layers directly contact solar cells to conduct heat, while also providing structural support and electrical pathway integration, eliminating the need for dedicated connector components and reducing failure points.
3Stability of the object's composition
If separate subsystems are assembled with multiple connectors, then component independence is maintained, but thermal management efficiency and energy transmission are reduced due to heat loss and power dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines thermal management functionality directly with structural layers, creating continuous thermal pathways from solar cells through intermediate layers to the battery and external heat sinks. This merging eliminates thermal breaks that would occur with separate subsystems and connectors, reducing heat loss while maintaining component functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces nanoscale intermediate materials and layers that facilitate efficient thermal and electrical transmission between components. These intermediary nanoscale structures provide enhanced conductivity pathways that reduce energy loss compared to traditional macro-scale connectors and interfaces.
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 integration of Nanoscale materials enhances thermal and electrical conductivity, reducing system complexity, weight, and cost while improving reliability and performance by efficiently managing heat and power within the system.
Implementation Method 1
The top sublayer is comprised of Nanoscale material for directing thermal energy from a backside of the solar cell through the top layer
Implementation Method 2
The bottom sublayer is comprised of Nanoscale material for directing thermal energy from the battery to an external heat sink
Implementation Method 3
A top layer of one or more solar cells
Implementation Method 4
one or more electronic circuits adapted to control electrical charge along one or more paths between the solar cells and the battery
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses differing embodiments of integrated solar cells and battery devices, in addition to disclosing methods of distributing energy. In one embodiment of the invention, an integrated solar cell and battery device may include a top layer, a middle layer, and a bottom layer. The top, middle, and bottom layers may be made of Nanoscale material, and may comprise sublayers. The top layer may include one or more solar cells, while the bottom layer may include a battery. The middle layer may direct thermal energy from the top layer to the bottom layer. The device may also include one or more electronic circuits adapted to control electrical charge along one or more paths between the solar cells and the battery. The Nanoscale materials of the top, middle, and bottom layers may comprise a plurality of Nanotubes or a plurality of Nanowires.