Spherical Pleniron Photovoltaic Device for Oblique Light Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional planar photovoltaic devices experience decreased power output at higher latitudes and during early morning or late evening due to inefficient energy capture, and existing solar trackers are complex and costly, limiting the widespread deployment of solar panel systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of pleniron photovoltaic devices with a spherical or spheroidal shape that utilizes Total Internal Reflection and optical volume principles to enhance light trapping and energy conversion across a wide range of incident angles, incorporating a semiconductor core and transparent conductive oxide layers to maximize power output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If planar photovoltaic devices are used, then manufacturing is simple and cost is low, but power output decreases at oblique angles and higher latitudes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spheroidality by replacing the conventional planar photovoltaic surface with a spherical or spheroidal geometry. This curvature enables the device to capture incident light rays from a wide range of angles throughout the day, maintaining high power output even at oblique angles and higher latitudes where planar devices perform poorly. The spherical shape acts as a light-trapping structure that redirects photons to the photovoltaic absorber layer regardless of the sun's position in the sky.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional planar surface to a three-dimensional spherical structure. This dimensional change allows the photovoltaic device to interact with light rays coming from different directions in three-dimensional space, effectively capturing energy throughout the entire daylight period rather than only when the sun is at optimal angles.
2Productivity
If solar trackers are used to follow the sun, then power output is maintained throughout the day, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical photovoltaic device performs self-tracking of the sun without requiring external mechanical trackers or active control systems. The geometry of the sphere inherently captures light from all directions, allowing the device to automatically adapt to the sun's movement across the sky. This eliminates the need for complex mechanical components, motors, sensors, and control algorithms that would be required for traditional solar tracking systems.
3Ease of operation
If planar photovoltaic devices are deployed at higher latitudes, then installation is straightforward, but power output is insufficient due to oblique sunlight angles
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical geometry is particularly advantageous at higher latitudes where sunlight strikes the Earth's surface at more oblique angles. The curved surface of the sphere presents photovoltaic-absorbing surfaces that are oriented favorably to capture these slanted rays throughout the day, maintaining effective power generation even when the sun remains low in the sky during winter months or at high geographic latitudes.
4Quantity of substance
If conventional planar devices are used, then initial cost is low, but total energy generation over a day is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical photovoltaic device enables continuous energy generation throughout the entire daylight period from sunrise to sunset. By capturing light at all incident angles, the device maintains productive operation during early morning and late evening hours when planar devices would be inefficient or non-productive. This continuous useful action significantly increases the total daily energy generation without proportionally increasing the initial cost.
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 pleniron devices achieve up to 2-2.5 times higher power production compared to planar devices over a full daytime, with improved energy capture at oblique angles, reducing shadowing and increasing efficiency through optimized structural design and material selection.
Implementation Method 1
utilizes Total Internal Reflection and optical volume principles to enhance light trapping
Implementation Method 2
Photovoltaic devices are typically used in solar panels
Data Source
AI summary
Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, photovoltaic device comprises a core having a shape that is at least partially spherical, an absorber disposed over the core, and a transparent conductor disposed over the absorber.