Translucent Solar Window Panels for Low-Drag Vehicle Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing renewable energy systems for vehicles, such as solar panels, often compromise aerodynamics and energy efficiency when integrated, failing to justify installation due to energy loss from drag, and lack effective temperature regulation for passenger safety and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A fully integrated translucent solar panel system that functions as a window pane, providing energy for temperature regulation and battery recharge, maintaining a safe temperature range within vehicles without engine operation, and adaptable opacity for visibility and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a bulky solar panel is added on top of a vehicle, then the solar energy generation capacity is improved, but the aerodynamics deteriorates causing drag and energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the solar panel with the window pane structure, making them a single integrated component. The solar panel is embedded within or applied to the window surface, eliminating the need for separate bulky panels on the vehicle roof. This merging approach maintains aerodynamic integrity while capturing solar energy through the window area.
Solution Approach 2:
The window pane serves multiple functions: it provides structural integrity, allows visibility, and simultaneously acts as a solar energy harvesting surface. By making the window multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for additional dedicated solar panel structures that would compromise aerodynamics.
2Loss of energy
If a transparent solar panel is integrated into the window pane, then the aerodynamics is improved, but the solar energy generation capacity deteriorates due to transparency requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel integrated into the window pane uses transparent or translucent materials that allow selective light transmission. Different regions of the window can have varying degrees of transparency, with areas less critical for visibility having higher solar absorption capacity. This local differentiation optimizes both aerodynamics and energy generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures where transparent conducting oxides, transparent photovoltaic materials, or translucent polymers are combined with structural glass or plastic layers. These composite materials maintain optical transparency while enabling solar energy conversion, resolving the contradiction between visibility and energy harvesting.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the solar panel opacity is increased to improve energy generation, then the solar energy capture is improved, but the visibility through the window deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the window pane have different opacity levels optimized for their specific functions. Areas requiring high visibility (such as driver-side windows) maintain lower opacity, while areas less critical for visibility (such as rear windows or upper portions) have higher opacity for maximum solar capture. This spatial variation in optical properties resolves the contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The window pane incorporates dynamically adjustable opacity through electrochromic or liquid crystal technologies. The transparency can be changed in real-time based on environmental conditions, solar intensity, and visibility requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize both visibility and energy capture under different operating conditions.
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 enhances vehicle aerodynamics, generates sufficient energy for temperature regulation and battery recharge, ensuring passenger safety and comfort across various climates, while reducing energy loss and installation costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one translucent solar panel adapted to be installed as a window pane... energy captured by said at least one translucent solar panel
Implementation Method 2
one or more rechargeable batteries adapted to be charged by energy captured by said at least one translucent solar panel
Implementation Method 3
temperature regulation system which is activated once a temperature threshold is met to ensure that a desired temperature is achieved
Data Source
AI summary
A renewable energy generating system for powering at least one accessory in a vehicle, including: at least one translucent solar panel adapted to be installed as a window pane; and one or more rechargeable batteries adapted to be charged by energy captured by said at least one translucent solar panel, wherein said one or more rechargeable batteries configured to power the one or more accessories.