Solar Energy Module with Light Diffusion and Guiding Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar energy modules have poor transparency, limiting their multi-purpose application, such as use as windows, due to their opaque nature, which hinders the ability to allow partial solar light penetration and scenic viewing.
Innovation Solution
A solar energy module comprising a substrate with a light diffusion layer and multiple light guiding layers, made of materials like acrylic, polycarbonate, and glass, that scatters and refracts solar light to be collected by solar chips, while maintaining transparency for viewing and incorporating a heat insulation layer for increased efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional solar energy modules are used, then solar energy collection is achieved, but transparency is poor preventing multi-purpose application as windows
Solution Approach 1:
The solar energy module is segmented into distinct functional layers: a light diffusion layer for scattering sunlight, light guiding layers for transporting light, and solar chips positioned on lateral surfaces for energy conversion. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall transparency for window applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar chips are positioned on the lateral surfaces of the substrate rather than on the front surface, representing a dimensional change in the configuration. This allows sunlight to penetrate through the transparent substrate and be collected from the sides, maintaining front surface transparency while enabling solar energy collection.
2Illumination intensity
If light diffusion layer and light guiding layers are added to improve transparency and light distribution, then multi-purpose application is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light diffusion layer is constructed using composite materials containing light scattering particles dispersed in a transparent matrix material. This composite structure enables effective light diffusion while maintaining transparency, achieving the desired light distribution without excessive structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guiding layers act as intermediary structures between the light diffusion layer and the solar chips. These layers facilitate the uniform distribution of diffused light across the substrate and guide it to the lateral surfaces where solar chips are positioned, mediating the light transport process efficiently.
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 a collection efficiency of up to 1.66% while allowing 45% transparency, enabling the module to be used as windows while effectively harnessing solar energy, with the structure allowing partial solar light penetration and improved heat insulation.
Implementation Method 1
The light diffusion layer comprises light scattering particles. When solar light L enters the light diffusion layer 10, solar light is scattered by the light scattering particles 12.
Implementation Method 2
Since the index of refraction of the light diffusion layer 10 is different from the material of the light guiding layers 20, 30 and 40, the solar light is refracted when the solar light enters the light guiding layer 20
Implementation Method 3
The scattered light is reflected by the interface of the light diffusion layer 10 to be collected by the solar chips 70. The refracted light is reflected by the interface of the light guiding layer 20 and collected by the solar chips 70.
Implementation Method 4
The heat insulation layer has high reflective rate for solar light.
Data Source
AI summary
A solar energy module is provided and includes a substrate comprising at least one light diffusion layer and a plurality of light guiding layers adjacent to the light diffusion layer, and solar chips disposed on the lateral surfaces of the substrate. Solar light enters the substrate and is diffused by the light diffusion layer, and the diffused solar light is reflected by an interface of the light diffusion layer and the light guiding layer and is collected by the solar chips. A part of the solar light enters the light guiding layers and is reflected by the interface of the light guiding layers, and the reflected light is collected by the solar chips.