Spectrally Selective Panel for Infrared Reflection and Visible Transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Overheating of interior spaces due to sunlight through large windows is a significant issue, as existing solutions require substantial energy consumption for cooling, particularly using non-sustainable sources, and there is a need for technologies that can effectively manage infrared radiation while allowing visible light transmission.
Innovation Solution
A spectrally selective panel comprising a reflective component that reflects infrared and ultraviolet light while being transmissive for visible light, typically using a multiple stack edge mirror with dielectric materials, and optionally incorporating luminescent and scattering materials to direct infrared radiation towards photovoltaic cells for energy generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a window pane is made transmissive for visible light to allow natural lighting, then illumination intensity is improved, but infrared radiation transmission increases causing interior overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a reflective component with spectrally selective properties that reflect infrared radiation while transmitting visible light. The edge mirror structure is positioned specifically at the panel edges to redirect IR radiation toward photovoltaic cells, while the central portion maintains high visible light transmission for illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful infrared radiation that causes overheating into a beneficial energy source. By redirecting IR radiation to photovoltaic cells positioned at the panel edges, the system generates electrical energy from what would otherwise be wasted heat, simultaneously cooling the interior and producing electricity.
2Temperature
If infrared radiation is reflected to reduce interior heating, then temperature control is improved, but visible light transmission may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by designing the reflective component with specific optical properties that differentiate between wavelength ranges. The edge mirror and photovoltaic cells are configured to respond selectively to infrared wavelengths while being transparent to visible wavelengths, achieving temperature control without compromising illumination.
3Power
If photovoltaic cells are added to generate electricity from infrared light, then energy generation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies another dimension by positioning photovoltaic cells at the vertical edges of the panel rather than covering the entire surface. This edge-mounted configuration utilizes the panel's perimeter space, allowing electricity generation without blocking the central viewing and lighting areas, thus minimizing impact on device complexity.
4Loss of energy
If the panel reflects more infrared radiation, then energy loss reduction is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the panel into distinct functional zones: a central transmissive portion for visible light and edge portions with reflective components for infrared management. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the edge mirror and photovoltaic cells positioned at specific locations to achieve high IR reflection efficiency without requiring extreme precision across the entire panel.
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 panel effectively reduces interior heating by reflecting infrared radiation and allows visible light transmission, simultaneously generating electrical energy by diverting infrared light to photovoltaic cells, thereby reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflective component that is arranged to reflect incident light within an infrared (IR) wavelength band and within an ultraviolet (UV) wavelength band
Implementation Method 2
The first reflective component typically is provided in the form of a multiple stack edge mirror that comprises layers of dielectric materials
Implementation Method 3
The spectrally selective panel typically also comprises a luminescent material arranged to absorb at least a portion of incident and/or reflected light having a wavelength in the IR wavelength band and emit light by luminescence
Implementation Method 4
The scattering material may comprise micro- or nano-sized particles and may be provided in the form of a film
Implementation Method 5
The scattering material may comprise optical elements such as diffractive elements or phase masks (optical phase gratings) that result in scattering and/or directional deflection of incident and/or reflected light
Implementation Method 6
The spectrally selective panel may be arranged to direct a portion of IR light that is transmitted through the first panel portion towards a photovoltaic cell arranged at a side portion of the spectrally selective panel
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a spectrally selective panel that comprises a first panel portion that is at least partially transmissive for light having a wavelength in the visible wavelength range. The panel also comprises a first reflective component that is arranged to reflect incident light within an infrared (IR) wavelength band and within an ultraviolet (UV) wavelength band while being at least partially transmissive for light having a wavelength within the visible wavelength band.