Transparent Solar Cell Edge-Lit Information Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional solar cell devices for information boards face high costs due to the need for additional electric lines and secondary power supplies, and suffer from shadowing effects and poor viewing contrast, especially when used in dark environments.

Innovation Solution

A solar cell device with a photovoltaically active layer between a transparent front cover and a back cover, where at least one of the surface regions has different light modulation properties, allowing for information display and energy generation without additional components, and equipped with a light source for illumination in dark conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If conventional solar cell devices use opaque information displays on transparent plates, then information can be displayed, but shadowing effects occur on the photovoltaic layer causing considerable drop in electrical power output

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation display capabilityVSAvoidelectrical power output

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the information display from the front surface (2D plane blocking light) to the edge of the transparent plate (1D boundary), allowing light to pass through the entire front surface to the photovoltaic layer without obstruction, while information remains visible from the front through edge illumination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an edge-coupled light guide as an intermediary between the light source and the information display area, transporting light along the edge and coupling it out at information locations, thereby eliminating direct shadowing of the photovoltaic layer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of moving object

If solar cell devices operate in dark environments, then nighttime information display is enabled, but viewing contrast is poor due to lack of light scattering in planar waveguides

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational duration (day and night)VSAvoidviewing contrast

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies optical outcoupling structures that modify the optical properties of the waveguide, enabling controlled light scattering and extraction at specific locations to enhance viewing contrast during nighttime operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the need for mechanical opaque displays with optical outcoupling structures that actively manage light extraction, providing dynamic control over light scattering and viewing contrast without mechanical moving parts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If solar cell devices are located at distance from power supply mains, then installation flexibility is improved, but costs for additional electric lines and secondary power supplies increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation location flexibilityVSAvoidadditional power supply components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into the transparent plate: it serves as both the information display medium and the optical waveguide for nighttime illumination, eliminating the need for separate power supply and display components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the information display function with the structural transparent plate, integrating the light guide functionality into the plate itself rather than using separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration reduces costs, minimizes shadowing effects, and provides improved viewing contrast both during the day and at night, while maintaining efficient energy generation.

Implementation Method 1

a photovoltaically active layer (1) between a transparent front cover (2) and a back cover (3)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

at least one light source (7) for coupling light laterally into at least one of the front cover (2) and the back cover (3)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWaveguide effect: Waveguide (optics)

Data Source

PatentEP2156476B1Solar cell device, method for producing and use

Publication Date: 2016.03.30 SAINT GOBAIN VITRAGE SA

Figure 1A~1E
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AI summary

A solar cell device comprising a photovoltaically active layer between a transparent front cover and a back cover, wherein the front cover comprises a first surface region and a second surface region opposite thereto and facing the photovoltaically active layer, and the back cover comprises a third surface region facing the photovoltaically active layer and a fourth surface region opposite thereto, wherein at least one of the first to the fourth surface regions is provided with a first area and a second area, which areas have different light modulation properties, wherein both areas are light transparent, and wherein the solar cell device further comprises at least one light source (7) for coupling light laterally into at least one of the front cover (2) and the back cover (3). Moreover a method for producing such solar cell device, and an information board comprising such a solar cell device and its use for displaying information.