Solar Module Light Redirecting Unit for BIPV Aesthetics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional silicon building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) solar modules lack durability and safety for facade mounting, exhibit an undesirable lattice pattern, and increase energy consumption due to sunlight penetration, leading to higher building temperatures and energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A solar module design featuring an encapsulation layer with embedded solar cells, a first patterned layer absorbing light through gaps, and second patterned layers on transparent boards to shield the sealing material, providing a uniform aesthetic and reducing ultraviolet exposure, while maintaining structural safety and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a transparent or partially white encapsulation layer is used to encapsulate solar cells, then the solar module can be mounted on building facades, but the lattice pattern of the solar cells will appear on the building and reduce aesthetic appeal
Solution Approach 1:
A light redirecting unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the solar cells and the front surface. This unit redirects light that would otherwise pass through the gaps between solar cells and create lattice patterns, thereby eliminating the harmful visual effect while maintaining the transparent encapsulation layer for building facade mounting
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful lattice pattern effect is extracted and eliminated by removing the direct light transmission path through gaps between solar cells. The light redirecting unit redirects this light toward the solar cells, taking out the problematic light path that causes aesthetic degradation
2Adaptability or versatility
If a transparent or partially white encapsulation layer is used, then sunlight can penetrate through gaps between solar cells to arrive at exterior walls, but this increases building temperature and energy consumption for air conditioning
Solution Approach 1:
The light redirecting unit serves as an intermediary that intercepts sunlight passing through gaps between solar cells and redirects it toward the solar cells. This prevents direct sunlight from reaching the building walls through gaps, reducing heat gain and subsequent air conditioning energy consumption while maintaining building integration capability
Solution Approach 2:
The sunlight that would harmfully penetrate through gaps and increase building temperature is converted into a beneficial resource by redirecting it toward the solar cells for energy generation. This transforms wasted light energy into useful electrical energy while simultaneously reducing heat transmission to the building
3Device complexity
If the back sheet is used to encapsulate solar cells, then the structure is simple, but the back sheet is prone to weathering and catching fire, reducing durability and safety
Solution Approach 1:
The encapsulation structure is transformed from a simple back sheet into a composite structure with a front surface, encapsulation layer, light redirecting unit, and solar cells. This composite structure uses materials with superior weathering resistance and fire safety properties, significantly improving durability and safety while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
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 durability and safety, reduces building temperature, and minimizes energy consumption by preventing sunlight penetration, thus improving the aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency of the solar module.
Implementation Method 1
a first patterned layer bonded to the first surface of the encapsulation layer, the patterns of the first patterned layer located corresponding to the locations of the gaps and absorbing the light passing through the gaps
Implementation Method 2
a second patterned layer which is bonded to the second surface of the encapsulation layer... and has a coating area greater than or equal to a coating area of the sealing material so that the second patterned layer completely overlaps the sealing material to shield the sealing material
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a solar module including an encapsulation layer, a plurality of solar cells embedded in the encapsulation layer with gaps between the solar cells; and a first patterned layer formed on the encapsulation layer and corresponding to locations of the gaps so as to absorb the light penetrating through the gaps, thereby shielding buildings from sunlight and thus saving energy.