Solar Simulator Optical Source Assembly with Movable Spectral Filters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar simulators are inadequate for testing advanced multi-junction solar cells, as they lack the ability to mimic the spatial uniformity, angular range, and spectral profile of sunlight, particularly for six-junction cells, due to limited adjustable bands and static notch filters.
Innovation Solution
An optical source assembly/solar simulator comprising a light source, reflector, spectral filter assembly with movable filter elements, and homogenizer, which generates a spatially uniform, adjustable spectral output beam that can mimic sunlight by filtering and homogenizing light to achieve desired irradiance and angular ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static notch filters are used in existing solar simulators, then the device structure is simple, but the spectral adjustability is limited and cannot accommodate multi-junction solar cells requiring six adjustable bands
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is segmented into multiple independently controllable filter elements (first, second, third, fourth filter elements) that can be selectively positioned in the optical path. Each filter element can be independently adjusted to provide different spectral filtering capabilities, enabling the system to accommodate multi-junction solar cells with six adjustable bands while maintaining a manageable device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The filter elements are made dynamically adjustable rather than static. The filters can be moved between different positions in the optical path, allowing the spectral characteristics to be dynamically tuned for different multi-junction solar cell configurations. This dynamic capability transforms the system from a fixed spectral output to an adaptable multi-band spectral output
2Manufacturing precision
If existing solar simulators use limited adjustable bands, then the device complexity is low, but the manufacturing precision of spectral output is insufficient for advanced multi-junction solar cells
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the optical path are assigned different filtering functions through specifically positioned filter elements. Each filter element targets specific wavelength bands, creating locally optimized spectral filtering across different parts of the spectrum. This local quality approach enables precise spectral output control for each junction band of multi-junction solar cells
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly uses composite filtering structures combining multiple filter elements with different spectral characteristics. By layering and positioning filters with complementary spectral responses, the system achieves high precision spectral output that mimics the complex spectral requirements of six-junction solar cells, effectively creating a composite spectral filtering system
3Manufacturing precision
If existing simulators use a single beam path, then the device structure is simple, but the spatial uniformity of the output beam is insufficient for accurate solar cell testing
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system transitions from a simple single-beam path to a multi-dimensional optical architecture involving multiple reflection paths and filter element arrangements. The light undergoes multiple reflections between mirrors and passes through different filter elements at different positions, creating a spatially distributed optical path that homogenizes the beam profile across the output aperture
4Reliability
If existing solar simulators lack angular range control, then the device structure is simple, but the reliability of solar cell testing is insufficient due to inability to control angles of incidence
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system incorporates dynamic angular control through adjustable mirror positions and configurable filter element orientations. The angles of incidence can be dynamically adjusted to match different solar cell testing requirements, enhancing testing reliability by accurately reproducing various solar illumination conditions that affect multi-junction cell performance
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 enables precise simulation of sunlight for testing solar cells, allowing adjustment of spectral content and angular incidence, effectively addressing the limitations of existing simulators by producing a well-balanced, uniformly irradiated beam with controlled angles, suitable for advanced multi-junction solar cells.
Implementation Method 1
a spectral filter assembly configured to receive the light from the reflector. The spectral filter assembly may have a stationary frame, and a plurality of filter elements supported by the stationary frame, filter elements of the plurality of filter elements simultaneously filtering a desired quantity of light within a wavelength band
Implementation Method 2
a homogenizer configured to receive the filtered output light beam and produce a homogenized light beam, the homogenized light beam having a substantially uniform irradiance distribution across a cross-section of the homogenized light beam
Implementation Method 3
a reflector configured to collect the light and direct the light in a desired direction
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus may have a light source configured to generate light, a reflector configured to collect the light and direct the light in a desired direction, a spectral filter assembly configured to receive the light from the reflector. The spectral filter assembly may have a stationary frame and a plurality of filter elements supported by the stationary frame. Filter elements of the plurality of filter elements may simultaneously filter a desired quantity of light within wavelength band to provide a filtered output light beam. A homogenizer may be configured to receive the filtered output light beam and produce a homogenized light beam having a substantially uniform irradiance distribution across a cross-section of the homogenized light beam.