Solar Concentrator Illumination Apparatus with Plano-Convex Refracting Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photovoltaic panels require large semiconductor substrates for efficient energy generation, limiting their integration into buildings and lacking illumination capabilities when no sunlight is available, while concentrated photovoltaic systems struggle to transmit diffuse light and provide integrated illumination.
Innovation Solution
A solar concentration and illumination apparatus using a receiving layer with transparent optical components, including plano-convex refracting elements and optical elements, to concentrate direct sunlight onto a solar energy collector while transmitting diffuse light and providing illumination using a light source, allowing for integration into building structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional photovoltaic panels are used to generate electricity, then sufficient electrical output can be achieved, but large semiconductor substrates are required which limit integration into buildings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines concentrating optics (lenses or reflectors) with a small photovoltaic cell to create a hybrid system that achieves high power output from a compact footprint, merging optical concentration with photovoltaic conversion in a single integrated module
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the optical parameters of incoming sunlight by using lenses or reflectors to concentrate parallel solar rays into a focused beam, thereby increasing the energy density on the photovoltaic cell surface and enabling high power output from a small area
2Area of stationary object
If concentrated photovoltaic systems use optical elements to concentrate light, then the need for large semiconductor substrates is reduced, but the systems cannot transmit diffuse light effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs tracking mechanisms that dynamically adjust the orientation of optical elements to follow the sun's movement, enabling the system to maintain effective concentration of direct sunlight while the transparent panel continues to transmit diffuse light from all directions throughout the day
3Power
If conventional PV systems are integrated into buildings, then photovoltaic functionality is achieved, but all incoming direct and diffuse light is absorbed or blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optical properties to different parts of the system: the optical concentration elements selectively concentrate direct sunlight onto the PV cell while remaining transparent to diffuse light, creating local zones of high energy concentration coexisting with transparent regions that transmit ambient light
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent panel acts as an intermediary element that allows diffuse light to pass through to the interior of the building while directing concentrated sunlight to the photovoltaic cell, mediating between the need for electricity generation and the need for natural illumination
4Adaptability or versatility
If CPV systems are made of transparent materials, then diffuse light can be transmitted to the interior, but direct sunlight concentration requires precise positioning at the depth of focus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional planar PV panels to three-dimensional optical structures with focal points, using lens or reflector geometries that create depth dimensions for light concentration while maintaining overall panel transparency and integrating illumination functionality
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
Enables efficient energy generation from direct sunlight while allowing diffuse light to pass through, providing integrated illumination capabilities, reducing the need for large semiconductor substrates and enhancing energy harvesting and lighting functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one plano-convex element is positioned to receive direct light along an optical axis and refract it towards the at least one optical element
Implementation Method 2
the at least one optical element is positioned to reflect light towards the at least one solar energy collector
Implementation Method 3
The photovoltaic cells collect the solar energy and convert the solar energy into an electric current
Implementation Method 4
the at least one optical element is positioned to refract and emit diffuse light impinging thereon towards the exterior of the solar concentrator and illumination apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
Device for harvesting direct sunlight, transmitting diffuse sunlight and for scattering light from a light source to provide illumination, including: a receiving layer including at least one solar energy collector and at least one light source; at least one optical component disposed on a first side of the receiving layer, the optical component including at least one plano-convex refracting element; a second optical component disposed on a second side of the receiving layer, the second optical component comprising at least one optical element; wherein the at least one plano-convex element is positioned to receive direct light and refract it towards the at least one optical element of the second optical component, and wherein the optical element is positioned to reflect light towards the solar energy collector; wherein the at least one optical element is positioned to refract and emit indirect light impinging thereon towards the exterior of the apparatus.