Solar Light-Control Module Using Micro Structures for Light Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial solar cells have low light-collection efficiency and are bulky, with Fresnel lenses increasing costs and space requirements, and requiring inconvenient rotation to optimize light collection.
Innovation Solution
A solar light-control module with a light-propagation chamber, micro structures, refractive media, and solar cells, where micro structures deflect ambient light to concentrate it on a small area, reducing the solar cell's occupied space and enhancing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a Fresnel lens is installed in a solar cell to condense light, then light-collection efficiency is improved, but fabrication cost and occupied space are considerably increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters by using a refractive media with a specific refractive index range (1.47-1.65) instead of traditional Fresnel lens materials, and employs micro structures with specific geometric parameters (depth 5-20μm, width 5-15μm) to achieve light concentration with different optical characteristics that reduce fabrication costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the expensive Fresnel lens with a cheaper alternative consisting of a simple refractive media layer combined with micro structures that can be manufactured using standard semiconductor fabrication processes, significantly reducing the cost of the solar cell module
2Productivity
If a Fresnel lens is installed in a solar cell to condense light, then light-collection efficiency is improved, but occupied space is considerably increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional Fresnel lens surface to a three-dimensional micro structure array with controlled depth, utilizing the vertical dimension (micro structure depth of 5-20μm) to achieve light concentration without increasing the horizontal occupied space of the solar cell module
3Productivity
If a Fresnel lens is installed in a solar cell to condense light, then light-collection efficiency is improved, but the lens must rotate according to solar azimuth resulting in inconvenient use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a self-adjusting optical system where the micro structures and refractive media automatically redirect light from different azimuth angles to the solar cell through refraction and total internal reflection, eliminating the need for manual rotation or tracking mechanisms while maintaining high light-collection efficiency throughout the day
4Productivity
If micro structures are used to deflect and concentrate light, then light-collection efficiency is enhanced and occupied area is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the micro structure parameters (depth 5-20μm, width 5-15μm, spacing 5-15μm) to achieve effective light concentration while remaining compatible with standard semiconductor fabrication processes, balancing manufacturing precision requirements with production feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an array of micro structures (bump or notch types) that create a controlled porous-like pattern on the semiconductor substrate, enabling effective light manipulation through refraction and total internal reflection while maintaining compatibility with existing manufacturing processes
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 module achieves improved light-collection efficiency and reduced fabrication costs by concentrating ambient light on a small area, allowing for a smaller solar cell footprint and increased energy capture.
Implementation Method 1
The refractive media is disposed between the second face of the light-propagation chamber and the micro structures, and the index of refraction of the refractive media is larger than the index of refraction of the light-propagation chamber
Implementation Method 2
The micro structures are disposed on the second face to deflect the ambient light and guide the ambient light to a predetermined area of the light-propagation chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A solar light-control module includes a light-propagation chamber, a plurality of micro structures, a refractive media, and at least one solar cell. The light-propagation chamber has a first face, a second face and at least one side surface. Ambient light is incident to the first face to enter the solar light-control module. The micro structures are disposed on the second face to deflect the ambient light and guide the ambient light to a predetermined area of the light-propagation chamber. The refractive media is disposed between the second face of the light-propagation chamber and the micro structures, and the solar cell is disposed on the predetermined area.