Refractive-Reflective Sheets for Shadowed Solar Panel Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar panels experience significant power output reduction due to shadows and are inefficient in low sunlight conditions, particularly in cities away from the equator, making them costly and ineffective in recouping investment within a reasonable time frame.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing refractive-reflective sheets, such as lenticular or prism sheets, is placed near the solar panels to reflect and diffuse sunlight onto the panel's surface, thereby amplifying the power output by illuminating shadowed areas and increasing energy absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solar panels are installed in cities away from the equator or in areas with shadow exposure, then the initial investment cost is high, but the energy produced is insufficient to recoup the cost within a reasonable time frame
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces refractive-reflective sheets as intermediary optical elements between the light source (sun or artificial lights) and the solar panel. These sheets act as mediators that redirect, concentrate, and amplify light onto the panel surface, enabling sufficient energy production in locations with naturally limited sunlight without requiring additional time for investment recoupment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters (light intensity, distribution, and concentration) incident on the solar panel by using refractive-reflective sheets. This allows the panel to receive amplified light equivalent to direct sunlight even in locations with limited natural sunlight, thereby maintaining productivity and reducing payback time
2Power
If a shadow obscures even a portion of the surface of the solar panel, then the power output is reduced by up to 90%
Solution Approach 1:
The refractive-reflective sheets serve as optical intermediaries that redirect sunlight from unobstructed areas around the shadow onto the shadowed portions of the solar panel. This compensates for the blocked light paths and maintains power output despite shadow obscuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes spatial redistribution of light by redirecting sunlight from three-dimensional space around the shadow onto the two-dimensional panel surface. This brings light from alternative angular dimensions to illuminate shadowed areas, preventing the catastrophic 90% power reduction that would otherwise occur
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 system effectively doubles the output power of partially shaded solar panels and increases energy absorption by 12-57% in low sunlight conditions, making solar panels more efficient and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
A solar cell, or photovoltaic cell, is an electric device that converts the energy of light directly into electricity by the photovoltaic effect
Implementation Method 2
A first refractive-reflective sheet having: a first side including a plurality of refracting elements
Implementation Method 3
The first refractive-reflective sheet is disposed to the front of and near said lower edge for reflecting sunlight onto said light receiving surface of said solar panel
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system of amplifying output power produced by a solar panel having a shadow cast upon a portion of a surface thereof are presented. The system and method utilize refractive-reflective sheets such as lenticular sheet, and/or diffraction grating sheets to diffuse sunlight to illuminate the shadow and thus amplify the output power of the solar panel. Alternatively, when no shadow is cast upon the panel, the sheets reflect additional sunlight onto the panel increasing its output power. The sheets may be used to refract, reflect, or both refract and reflect sunlight onto the panel. The sheets may be used in combination with bright or reflective panels to reflect additional sunlight onto said panels to further amplify the output. The system and method are applicable to various types of solar panels such as thin film, microcrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels as well as solar roof tiles or other solar radiation collectors.