Solar-Powered Lighting Module With Transparent OLED And Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting in buildings is inefficient, with incandescent bulbs consuming over 90% of energy as heat, leading to high electricity consumption and increased air-conditioning loads, while existing solar power solutions do not effectively integrate energy storage and conversion for off-grid lighting.
Innovation Solution
A solar-powered lighting module incorporating a solar cell for energy generation, a lithium-ion battery for storage, and an OLED for efficient light production, with a controller to regulate energy flow, allowing for semi-transparent or tinted designs that can be integrated into building interfaces like windows for efficient energy use and thermal insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If incandescent light bulbs are used for lighting, then lighting function is provided, but energy efficiency deteriorates with over 90% energy consumed as heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from incandescent lighting to OLED (organic light-emitting diode) technology, fundamentally changing the lighting mechanism from thermal radiation to electroluminescence. This parameter change in the physical principle of light generation achieves over 7 times higher energy efficiency compared to incandescent bulbs, directly resolving the contradiction between providing lighting function and minimizing heat generation loss.
2Use of energy by moving object
If solar cells are used for energy generation, then renewable energy is produced, but large area is required for sufficient power generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the solar cell, lithium ion battery, and OLED into a single unified lighting module. This merging of previously separate components (power generation, energy storage, and light emission) into one compact unit enables sufficient power generation in limited spaces, resolving the contradiction between renewable energy production and area requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the lithium ion battery is positioned adjacent to the solar cell, and the OLED is integrated with this power system. This nesting arrangement allows efficient space utilization within the module, enabling adequate energy generation and storage without requiring excessive area.
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar-powered lighting module is integrated into building interface, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the lighting module to serve multiple functions simultaneously: the solar cell generates electricity, the lithium ion battery stores energy, and the OLED provides lighting. This multi-functionality allows the single integrated module to replace multiple separate building systems (power generation, energy storage, and lighting), improving building energy efficiency while managing complexity through functional integration.
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 reduces electricity demand for lighting by harnessing solar energy for efficient light generation and storage, providing sustainable, high-efficiency lighting while minimizing heating and cooling needs, equivalent to the output of multiple incandescent bulbs.
Implementation Method 1
a solar cell for absorbing sunlight and generating an electrical current
Implementation Method 2
at least one lithium ion battery, which can be charged by the solar cell
Implementation Method 3
at least one OLED, which can be powered by the lithium ion battery and generate light
Data Source
AI summary
A solar-powered lighting module is provided, including a solar cell for generating electricity when exposed to light, a battery for storing charge from the generated electricity, and a light generating device powered by the stored charge. In an embodiment, the module further includes a controller that regulates the current transmitted between the components of the module. In a further embodiment, the module is incorporated into an interface to an environmentally controlled space and can be positioned to light an interior portion of the space. In another embodiment, the solar cell and light generating device are transparent to allow light to pass through the interface. In a further embodiment, tinted-color conjugated polymers incorporated into the module limit the spectrum of light that can pass through the interface. In yet another embodiment, a method of modifying an existing interface with such a module is provided.