Solar Module Light Shielding Filter for Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar photovoltaic modules face efficiency losses due to increased temperature caused by longer wavelength light, which is not converted into electricity, and are difficult to integrate into existing building or vehicle structures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a light shielding filter that blocks wavelengths longer than the energy band gap threshold, allowing only shorter wavelengths to penetrate and generate electricity, while also using reflective and mounting designs to manage temperature and facilitate easy installation on various surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a solar photovoltaic module uses a standard glass front cover, then the module structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the module temperature increases due to longer wavelength light not being converted to electricity
Solution Approach 1:
The front cover is constructed as a composite structure with a base glass layer and a light shielding filter layer. The light shielding filter layer contains materials that selectively block longer wavelength light (infrared region) while allowing shorter wavelength light (visible spectrum) to pass through to the photovoltaic elements. This composite approach reduces module temperature by filtering out non-conversion wavelengths while maintaining structural integrity and manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The light shielding filter acts as an intermediary layer between the incoming solar radiation and the photovoltaic elements. It selectively intercepts longer wavelength light that would otherwise contribute to heating without being converted to electricity, while permitting shorter wavelength light to reach the photovoltaic elements for power generation. This intermediary function resolves the contradiction by managing thermal load without complicating the overall module design
2Productivity
If the front cover allows all wavelengths to penetrate, then power-generation efficiency is maximized for available sunlight, but temperature increases due to longer wavelength light not being converted
Solution Approach 1:
The light shielding filter layer is designed with spatially selective properties, allowing shorter wavelength light (visible spectrum) to pass through to the photovoltaic elements while blocking longer wavelength light (infrared region). This local quality differentiation in the filter's optical properties enables simultaneous optimization of power generation (by allowing conversion-capable wavelengths) and temperature control (by blocking non-conversion wavelengths)
3Productivity
If solar photovoltaic modules are designed for optimal power generation, then efficiency is improved, but integration into existing building or vehicle structures becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The front cover with integrated light shielding filter serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the photovoltaic elements from environmental damage, allows selective wavelength transmission for optimized power generation, and reduces module temperature. This multi-functionality enables the module to be adapted to various existing structures (buildings, vehicles) without sacrificing power-generation efficiency, as the compact integrated design does not require additional space or complex installation procedures
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 effectively suppresses temperature increases in solar photovoltaic modules, enhancing power-generation efficiency and extending their endurance, and allows for easier integration onto existing facilities such as building roofs or vehicle surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a light shielding filter that shields light having a longer wavelength than the threshold wavelength of the solar photovoltaic element, that is, light having a wavelength that is equal to or larger than a wavelength corresponding to the level of the energy band gap of the semiconductor configuring the solar photovoltaic element while allowing light having a shorter wavelength to penetrate the filter
Implementation Method 2
The solar photovoltaic element generates power using photovoltaic effect that is generated by exciting electrons of a valence band to a conduction band because of optical energy, that is, using photoelectric effect
Implementation Method 3
a module main body is arranged on a surface of a reflection member. In this manner, the solar beam is directly emitted to the module main body, and besides, is also emitted after the solar beam is reflected by the reflection member
Data Source
AI summary
A module main body having a solar photovoltaic element is arranged on an inner surface side of a back cover, and a front cover is arranged on a front surface of the module main body. A light shielding filter is arranged in the front cover, and the light shielding filter shields light having a longer wavelength than a threshold wavelength of the solar photovoltaic element but transmits light having a shorter wavelength than the threshold wavelength toward the module main body or shields the infrared ray.