Solar array devices with structural electrical connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar window technologies face challenges in maintaining high transparency while effectively generating photovoltaic electricity, often suffering from optical and other losses, and they typically require substrates to support photovoltaic cells.
Innovation Solution
A solar array device with a stacked arrangement of solar cells connected by structural electrical conductors, eliminating the need for substrates, allowing bi-facial power generation and integration into insulated glass windows with optimized spacing and coatings to minimize light reflection and maximize energy output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If photovoltaic cells are applied onto horizontal slats or embedded in transparent material to generate electricity, then power generation capability is improved, but optical losses increase and transparency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic array is segmented into multiple individual cells arranged in a stacked configuration, with each cell being relatively narrow in width. This segmentation allows light to pass through the gaps between cells, reducing optical losses while maintaining power generation capability. The cells are connected by structural electrical conductors that do not obstruct light transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional planar photovoltaic panels to a three-dimensional stacked arrangement of narrow cells. By stacking cells vertically with spacing between them, the structure creates multiple dimensions for light transmission while maintaining electrical connectivity through structural conductors, thereby reducing optical losses.
2Power
If photovoltaic cells are applied onto horizontal slats or embedded in transparent material, then power generation capability is improved, but window transparency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The use of narrow, segmented photovoltaic cells spaced apart in a stacked arrangement allows significant light transmission through the gaps, maintaining window transparency while enabling electricity generation. The segmentation creates a lattice structure that balances optical performance with power generation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the window assembly serve different functions: the photovoltaic cells are concentrated in specific locations to maximize power generation, while the spacing between cells and the structural conductors are optimized to maintain transparency. This local optimization of cell placement and spacing achieves both goals simultaneously.
3Stability of the object's composition
If substrates are used to support photovoltaic cells, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity and optical losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural support function and electrical connectivity function into a single integrated component: the structural electrical conductors. These conductors simultaneously provide mechanical support for the photovoltaic cells and serve as electrical pathways, eliminating the need for separate substrates and reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural electrical conductors perform multiple functions: they provide structural support for the photovoltaic cells, establish electrical connections between cells, and maintain the stacked arrangement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated substrate components, simplifying the overall device structure.
4Device complexity
If narrow solar cells are stacked and connected by structural electrical conductors, then a self-supporting structure is created eliminating substrate need, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The structural and electrical functions are merged into single integrated conductors, reducing the number of separate components that need to be assembled. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating the need to separately install substrates and electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural electrical conductors are designed to automatically provide both mechanical support and electrical connectivity when assembled. The conductors self-organize to form a stable stacked structure, reducing the need for complex assembly procedures and external support structures.
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 efficient electricity generation from both surfaces of solar cells integrated into windows, maintaining transparency and reducing optical losses, while providing a self-supporting structure that enhances energy production and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
a first solar cell having a first side and a second side; a second solar cell in a stacked array below the first cell
Data Source
AI summary
A solar cell array assembly that includes a first solar cell having a first side and a second side; a second solar cell in a stacked below the first cell, the second cell having a first side and a second side; and a structural conductor disposed between the first cell and second cell; wherein the structural conductor being selected to support a weight of, at least, the first cell to maintain a selected distance between the first cell and the second cell; and wherein the structural conductor being electrically coupled to the second side of the first cell and the first side of the second cell.