Solar energy device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photovoltaic systems integrated into buildings face limitations in aesthetic appeal and efficiency due to the use of broadband mirrors that can cause thermal degradation and blinding effects, and are not suitable for vertical building integration, while existing solar concentrating mirrors lack both efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A solar energy device comprising a photovoltaic cell or solar thermal collector with a visible light-transmitting reflector using a multilayer optical film that reflects near-infrared wavelengths and transmits visible light, integrated with a graphic film or lighted display for aesthetic purposes, allowing for efficient energy conversion and improved building integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional broadband mirrors are used to concentrate solar energy, then solar energy concentration is achieved, but thermal degradation and blinding effects occur due to reflection of adverse wavelengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the multilayer optical film with specific layers tailored to handle different wavelength ranges differently. The optical stack includes layers with varying refractive indices and absorption characteristics, where each layer is optimized to reflect or transmit specific portions of the solar spectrum, thereby concentrating useful energy while filtering harmful wavelengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials through the multilayer optical film structure consisting of multiple layers with different optical properties. This composite structure combines materials with varying refractive indices and spectral characteristics to achieve selective wavelength reflection and transmission, resolving the contradiction between energy concentration and harmful radiation reflection.
2Productivity
If broadband mirrors are used for solar concentration, then energy collection is improved, but aesthetic appeal deteriorates due to visible light reflection
Solution Approach 1:
The multilayer optical film applies local quality by configuring specific layers to transmit visible light while reflecting near-infrared wavelengths. This selective optical behavior allows the device to maintain aesthetic appeal through visible light transmission while simultaneously achieving solar energy concentration in the non-visible spectrum.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes principles by designing the optical stack to exhibit different optical properties across the spectrum. The multilayer structure creates wavelength-dependent transmission and reflection characteristics, allowing visible light to pass through for aesthetic purposes while concentrating infrared energy for power generation.
3Strength
If conventional racking systems are used for photovoltaic integration, then structural support is provided, but aesthetic appeal and suitability for vertical building faces are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The multilayer optical film serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural component providing support, an optical element concentrating solar energy, and an aesthetic element transmitting visible light. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate conventional racking systems, thereby maintaining structural integrity while improving aesthetic appeal for building integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the structural support function with the optical filtering and concentration functions into a single integrated multilayer optical film assembly. This consolidation eliminates the visual impact of separate racking systems and enables seamless integration into vertical building faces while maintaining both structural strength and aesthetic appeal.
4Productivity
If solar concentrating mirrors are used, then near-infrared reflection is achieved, but visible light transmission is blocked reducing aesthetic appeal
Solution Approach 1:
The optical stack applies local quality by configuring specific layers to handle different wavelength ranges independently. Certain layers are designed with optical properties that favor near-infrared reflection, while other layers are optimized for visible light transmission, allowing both functions to coexist without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials in the form of a multilayer optical film where each layer is composed of materials with specific optical characteristics. This composite structure enables simultaneous near-infrared reflection and visible light transmission by combining materials whose optical properties complement each other across different spectral regions.
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 enhances the operational efficiency of photovoltaic cells and solar thermal collectors by reflecting adverse wavelengths while maintaining visible light transmission, improving both energy conversion efficiency and aesthetic appeal for building integration.
Implementation Method 1
the multilayer optical film reflects at least a portion of light in a range of wavelengths that corresponds with the absorption bandwidth of the at least one of a photovoltaic cell or a solar thermal collector
Implementation Method 2
a visible light-transmitting reflector having first and second generally opposed major surfaces, the visible light-transmitting reflector positioned to reflect light from the first major surface onto the at least one of a photovoltaic cell or a solar thermal collector
Implementation Method 3
at least one of a photovoltaic cell or a solar thermal collector having an absorption bandwidth that includes at least a portion of the near infrared wavelength region of the solar spectrum
Implementation Method 4
at least one of a photovoltaic cell or a solar thermal collector having an absorption bandwidth that includes at least a portion of the near infrared wavelength region of the solar spectrum
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Solar energy device (100) comprising at least one of a photovoltaic cell or a solar thermal collector (101) having an absorption bandwidth in the infrared wavelength region of the solar spectrum; a visible light-transmitting reflector (103); and at least one of a graphic film or lighted display (105). The graphic film or a lighted display present is visible through the visible light-transmitting reflector. The solar energy devices can be used, for example, as a sign (e.g., an advertising sign or a traffic sign), on the side and/or roof, as well as in a window, of a building.