Solar Simulator Using HID and Halogen Lamps with Perforated Foil
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar simulators face challenges with high costs, spectral match, non-uniform irradiance, and temporal instability, particularly due to the use of Xenon arc lamps which are unstable and have undesirable spectral peaks, and halogen lamps that do not closely match the sun's spectrum.
Innovation Solution
A solar simulator comprising a combination of high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps and halogen lamps with an infrared filter, where the infrared filter is a heat reflective foil on a transparent substrate with a repetitive pattern of perforations, and the lamps are arranged in an alternating array within a mirrored box to achieve a spectrum matching the AM 1.5 solar spectrum, with halogen lamps filtered to reduce radiation above 1600 nm and power-tuned to match HID lamps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If Xenon arc lamps are used to provide high intensity and continuous spectrum, then illumination intensity is improved, but spectral match deteriorates due to sharp atomic transitional peaks and temporal instability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources (Xenon arc lamp, halogen lamps, and LED modules) into a single illumination system. The Xenon arc lamp provides high intensity and continuous spectrum, while halogen lamps and LED modules compensate for spectral deficiencies and stabilize the overall output, resolving the contradiction between intensity and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system uses a composite approach by integrating different types of lamps with distinct spectral characteristics. The Xenon arc lamp contributes high intensity and UV content, halogen lamps provide visible spectrum coverage, and LED modules fill spectral gaps, creating a composite light source that achieves both high intensity and temporal stability.
2Measurement precision
If Xenon arc lamps are used to match sunlight spectrum, then spectral match is improved, but device complexity increases due to sophisticated electronic control gear required
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple simpler light sources (halogen lamps, LED modules) with the Xenon arc lamp, the system achieves good spectral match without relying solely on complex control of a single high-power Xenon lamp. Each component contributes to the overall spectrum, reducing the need for sophisticated electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts the operating parameters of multiple light sources to optimize spectral match. By controlling the intensity and spectral output of each lamp type individually, the system achieves accurate spectral reproduction with simpler control electronics compared to using a single high-power Xenon arc lamp.
3Duration of action of moving object
If halogen lamps are used to provide continuous spectrum, then spectral continuity is improved, but spectral match to sunlight deteriorates due to lower color temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges halogen lamps with Xenon arc lamps and LED modules. The halogen lamps provide continuous spectrum and long operational life, while the Xenon arc lamp contributes high color temperature and UV content, and LED modules fill specific spectral gaps, together achieving accurate sunlight spectral match.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system uses a composite approach combining light sources with different spectral characteristics. Halogen lamps provide the continuous spectrum base, while Xenon and LED components add the necessary high-frequency content and spectral precision, creating a composite system that matches sunlight accurately.
4Area of stationary object
If high-power lamps are used to illuminate large areas, then area coverage is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination system into multiple independent light sources (Xenon arc lamp, halogen lamps, LED modules) that can be distributed across the illumination area. This segmentation allows targeted illumination of specific zones, reducing energy waste in areas that do not require full intensity, while maintaining large area coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple light sources with different power levels and spectral characteristics to optimize energy efficiency. By adjusting the operating parameters of each lamp according to the specific illumination requirements of different areas, the system achieves large area coverage with improved overall energy efficiency compared to using a single high-power lamp.
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 significantly reduces costs by using low-tech components, achieves a high spectral match and uniform irradiance, and is easily rated according to IEC standards, with improved stability and spectral accuracy, even in an initial prototype.
Implementation Method 1
infrared filter means are embodied as a heat reflective foil mounted on a transparent substrate
Implementation Method 2
infrared filter means are embodied as a heat reflective foil mounted on a transparent substrate
Implementation Method 3
lamps are placed in a box having sidewalls that are provided with or that are embodied as mirrors
Data Source
AI summary
Solar simulator comprising at least at least one high-intensity discharge (HID) lamp type, and at least one halogen lamp type, which lamps are applied simultaneously and are provided with infrared filter means to provide a mixture of light approximating radiated sunlight, wherein the infrared filter means are embodied as heat reflective foil mounted on a transparent substrate. The heat reflective foil is preferably provided with a repetitive pattern of perforations.