V-Shaped Solar Cell Reflector Layout for Reduced Cell Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar panel designs are inefficient in material usage and costly due to the arrangement of solar cells and reflectors, which either waste sunlight or require complex geometries and mechanical tracking systems, and lack protection from the elements.
Innovation Solution
A solar cell and reflector arrangement where the solar cell is oriented at a 45-degree angle and the reflector is perpendicular, forming a V-shape, allowing for improved light capture and protection, with optional configurations using multiple reflectors at different angles to enhance light collection and prevent infrared reflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If solar cells are arranged in a single plane normal to incoming sunlight, then the module structure is simple, but material usage efficiency is poor and sunlight capture is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional single-plane cell arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration by introducing a tilted cell plane at approximately 45 degrees to the horizontal, combined with a reflector plane. This dimensional change allows sunlight to be captured from a broader angular range, improving material usage efficiency while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized angular components.
2Productivity
If reflectors are used to minimize regions between active solar cells, then sunlight capture is improved, but complex geometries or mechanical tracking systems are required which increase cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the angular parameters of the cell and reflector planes, specifically setting the cell plane at approximately 45 degrees to the horizontal and the reflector plane at a complementary angle. This parameter optimization maximizes sunlight capture efficiency through geometric reflection principles while avoiding complex variable geometries or mechanical tracking systems, thereby controlling manufacturing costs.
3Device complexity
If solar cells are oriented normal to incoming sunlight, then the arrangement is simple, but the same amount of sunlight cannot be captured with reduced cell area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflector plane as an intermediary element that redirects sunlight onto the tilted solar cell surface. This intermediary reflector enables the system to capture the same amount of sunlight with reduced cell area by utilizing reflected light paths, while the fixed angular configuration maintains arrangement simplicity and avoids complex mechanical systems.
4Productivity
If complex variable geometry is used to optimize light capture, then sunlight capture is improved, but mass production becomes difficult and surfaces lack protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes fixed angular parameters for the cell plane (approximately 45 degrees to horizontal) and reflector plane, converting the complex variable geometry into a standardized constant-geometry configuration. This parameter standardization enables mass production through repetitive manufacturing processes while maintaining optimized sunlight capture, and the enclosed module structure provides protection for these surfaces during production and operation.
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 allows for more efficient sunlight capture with the same or reduced solar cell area, protects the reflector and cell from elements, and uniformly illuminates the solar cell surface, while maintaining compatibility with various solar technologies and reducing overheating.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective surface oriented perpendicular to the cell and at a 45 degree angle to the incoming sunlight
Implementation Method 2
a solar cell for intercepting sunlight and producing energy of thermal or electrical nature
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of arranging a solar cell and reflector to replace a typical solar cell oriented normal to the incoming sunlight inside a module (i.e. parallel to a module's transparent cover plate or opening). The present invention in a preferred embodiment uses a solar cell oriented at a 45 degree angle to the incoming sunlight, and a reflective surface oriented perpendicular to the cell and at a 45 degree angle to the incoming sunlight. The solar cell and the mirror are the same length/size and form a V shape where the angle between the sloped sides is 90 degrees. Any light falling normally on the arrangement will hit the solar cell either directly or after reflection. In another embodiment, two adjacent reflectors can be used making angles of around 60 degrees and around 30 degrees with respect to the cover or opening. An alternate embodiment can include a second reflector added to the base of the cell and reflector pairings also at an approximate 45 degree angle with the cover or opening. The second reflector can run along an entire row of cell and first reflector pairs such that the first reflectors form 90 degree angles with both the cells and with the second reflector.