Solar Module Interference Filter for White Appearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar photovoltaic modules lack aesthetic appeal and integration possibilities in building design, with existing solutions being complex, expensive, and limited in color options, particularly failing to produce a matte white or grey appearance.
Innovation Solution
A solar photovoltaic module comprising a silicon-based photovoltaic element with an intermediate layer and a corrugated multilayer interference filter that transmits infrared light while reflecting and diffusing visible light to create a white appearance, using a CIE 1964 Yxy color system, and featuring a high conversion efficiency for infrared light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If additional light diffusing layers such as colored glass plate or interference filter are added to photovoltaic cell, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light diffusing function and interference filter function into a single integrated layer, eliminating the need for separate additional layers. This merging reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining the aesthetic appearance enhancement through light diffusion and color control.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated layer performs multiple functions simultaneously: it diffuses light to create aesthetic appearance, controls color through interference effects, and maintains photovoltaic efficiency. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized layers for each function.
2Shape
If additional light diffusing layers such as colored glass plate or interference filter are added to photovoltaic cell, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light diffusing function and interference filter function into a single integrated layer, eliminating the need for separate additional layers. This merging reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining the aesthetic appearance enhancement through light diffusion and color control.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated layer performs multiple functions simultaneously: it diffuses light to create aesthetic appearance, controls color through interference effects, and maintains photovoltaic efficiency. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized layers for each function.
3Illumination intensity
If additional light diffusing layers are added to photovoltaic cell, then light diffusion is improved, but photoconversion efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses interference effects to selectively reflect specific wavelengths of light while transmitting others, rather than using broad-spectrum diffusion layers. By controlling the optical parameters (layer thickness, refractive index) of the integrated layer, it achieves wavelength-selective reflection that diffuses light for aesthetic appearance while allowing beneficial wavelengths to reach the photovoltaic cell for efficient conversion.
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 an aesthetically pleasing white appearance with high efficiency, suitable for building integration, while maintaining high infrared light transmission and visible light reflection, enhancing the acceptance and cost-effectiveness of solar technology in building applications.
Implementation Method 1
an interference filter deposited on the incident light side of said intermediate layer
Implementation Method 2
reflect and diffuse incident visible solar light
Implementation Method 3
a silicon based photovoltaic element
Data Source
AI summary
In the present invention a new solar photovoltaic module is proposed comprising: a silicon based photovoltaic element; an intermediate layer deposited on said photovoltaic element to the incident light side; an interference filter deposited on the incident light side of said intermediate layer; a front element disposed on the incident light side of said interference filter. Said intermediate layer has a transparency of at least 90% for infrared light between 780 nm and 1200 nm and said interference filter is corrugated and composed of a multilayer comprising a plurality of dielectric layers designed to transmit at least 75% of the total incident solar infrared light between 780 nm and 1200 nm, and to reflect and diffuse incident visible solar light such that the perceived color of said reflected and diffused visible light by any observer positioned anywhere to the incident light side of said solar photovoltaic module and looking towards the front element of said solar photovoltaic module is defined by a Y10 tristimulus value not lower than 50 defined by an x value of 0.20 to 0.45 and a y value of 0.20 to 0.45 in a chromaticity diagram of a CIE 1964 Yxy color system using a white light source measured with a D65 light source with a 10-degree angular field.