Solar energy receiver
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar energy concentrator systems are economically non-competitive with fossil fuels due to high material costs and large areas required, limiting their suitability for large-scale solar farming.
Innovation Solution
The design enhances solar energy collection efficiency by optimizing the size, shape, and position of photovoltaic cells, positioning non-active elements to avoid shading, using interconnect structures with small footprints, and incorporating location sensors for optimal sun tracking, along with cooling mechanisms to manage temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solar concentrator systems use large amounts of materials and occupy large areas to concentrate solar radiation, then solar energy collection capability is improved, but system cost increases and economic competitiveness with fossil fuels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing non-active elements (electrical contacts, interconnects, cooling channels) within or beneath the active photovoltaic cell areas. Specifically, back contacts are positioned on the rear surface of cells, interconnects are routed through cell edges or beneath active areas, and cooling channels are integrated into the cell substrate structure. This nesting allows these necessary non-generating components to occupy space that would otherwise be wasted, thereby increasing the effective active area ratio and reducing material usage per unit of energy collected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the third dimension (depth/vertical space) to resolve the area conflict. By positioning non-active elements on the back surface of photovoltaic cells and routing interconnects through vertical pathways rather than horizontal surfaces, the design frees up two-dimensional surface area for active light conversion. This dimensional transition allows the system to maintain comprehensive functionality (electrical connection, cooling, structural support) while maximizing the light-receiving area, thereby improving energy collection capability without proportionally increasing material quantity.
2Productivity
If solar concentrator systems use large amounts of materials and occupy large areas, then solar energy collection capability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing non-active elements (electrical contacts, interconnects, cooling channels) within or beneath the active photovoltaic cell areas. Specifically, back contacts are positioned on the rear surface of cells, interconnects are routed through cell edges or beneath active areas, and cooling channels are integrated into the cell substrate structure. This nesting allows these necessary non-generating components to occupy space that would otherwise be wasted, thereby increasing the effective active area ratio and reducing material usage per unit of energy collected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into single integrated components. For example, the cell substrate serves simultaneously as structural support, thermal management conduit (with integrated cooling channels), and electrical connection pathway. The back surface of cells combines mechanical support, electrical contact, and thermal dissipation functions. This functional integration reduces the total number of separate components required, simplifies assembly processes, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining energy collection capability.
3Reliability
If non-active elements (electrical contacts and interconnects) are positioned on surfaces exposed to incident light, then electrical connectivity is ensured, but light absorption by active areas is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional positioning of electrical contacts by placing them on the back surface of photovoltaic cells rather than on the light-exposed front surface. Back contacts are positioned on the rear surface where they can establish electrical connectivity without interfering with light absorption. Interconnects are routed through cell edges or beneath active areas, and cooling channels are positioned in the substrate beneath active regions. This inversion resolves the conflict between electrical connectivity and light absorption, allowing both functions to operate at full efficiency.
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
This approach reduces material usage, increases collection efficiency, and allows for cost-effective large-scale solar energy harvesting by minimizing non-active surface area and optimizing energy conversion.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of active photovoltaic (PV) devices disposed on the support structure. Each PV device includes an active receiver element
Implementation Method 2
the active receiver element comprises a reflector and wherein the reflector comprises a central reflector and/or a peripheral reflector
Implementation Method 3
one or more cooling channels coupled to the lower surface
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention may utilize one or more techniques, alone or in combination, to maximize a surface area of a receiver that is configured to convert light into another form of energy. One technique enhances collection efficiency by controlling a size, shape, and/or position of a cell relative to an expected illumination profile under various conditions. Another technique positions non-active elements (such as electrical contacts and/or interconnects) on surfaces likely to be shaded from incident light by other elements of the receiver. Another technique utilizes embodiments of interconnect structures occupying a small footprint. According to certain embodiments, the receiver may be cooled by exposure to a fluid such as water or air.