Switchable Light-Blocking PV Layer for Vehicle Glazing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for converting light into electrical energy in vehicles, such as solar roofs and energy-autonomous windows, face challenges in efficiently managing light transmission and blocking to prevent excessive interior brightness and heat, while also capturing solar radiation for energy conversion.
Innovation Solution
The arrangement features a layered body with a light-conducting element and switchable light-switching elements, allowing light to be either transmitted or reflected back into a photovoltaic cell, which can be controlled to block or transmit light based on intensity and frequency, using electrochromic, LC, or thermochromic layers to manage light entry and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If solar radiation is captured for energy conversion, then electrical energy generation is improved, but interior light load and heat increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the light management function by separating the photovoltaic energy conversion layer from the light transmission control layer. The PV cells are positioned to capture specific wavelengths for energy generation, while the light-switching element selectively transmits or blocks remaining light to control interior illumination, allowing independent optimization of both energy capture and light management.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-switching element changes its optical parameters (transmission vs. blocking state) based on control signals. When PV energy generation is prioritized, the element blocks excess light; when natural lighting is needed, it transitions to transmissive state, dynamically adjusting the balance between energy capture and interior light load.
2Use of energy by moving object
If solar radiation is captured for energy conversion, then electrical energy generation is improved, but interior temperature increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates thermal management from energy generation by positioning the PV cells to capture only the portion of solar spectrum needed for electricity, while the light-switching element blocks the thermal infrared portion that would otherwise heat the interior, enabling independent control of energy capture and temperature management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful thermal radiation that would heat the interior into a controllable parameter. By using the light-switching element to block thermal wavelengths while allowing PV cells to capture visible spectrum for energy generation, the previously harmful heat becomes a manageable aspect of the dual-function system.
3Illumination intensity
If light is blocked to reduce interior brightness, then interior light load is reduced, but energy capture from photovoltaic cell decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The light-switching element dynamically changes its transmission parameter based on control signals. When natural lighting is sufficient, it blocks light to reduce interior brightness; when additional lighting or energy generation is needed, it transitions to transmissive state to allow more light to reach the PV cells, enabling adaptive balance between comfort and energy production.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback control to monitor interior lighting conditions and energy generation levels, adjusting the light-switching element's state accordingly. When interior brightness exceeds thresholds, the element blocks light; when energy generation drops below requirements, the element becomes transmissive, creating a self-regulating system that balances both objectives.
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
This solution effectively reduces interior light load, prevents overheating, and enhances energy capture by allowing adjustable light management, providing a comfortable and energy-efficient solution for vehicle glazing.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one photovoltaic cell is designed to convert received light into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
the at least one light-conducting element is designed to guide light which is or has been coupled by the at least first light-switching element or reflected by the latter into the at least one light-conducting element counter to the main direction, in a secondary direction which is oriented perpendicular to the main direction to the at least one photovoltaic cell
Implementation Method 3
in a case when the at least one first light-switching element is set, for example, is switched, to be light-blocking, the at least one first light-switching element is designed to couple, for example to reflect, light to the at least one light-conducting element
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is described for converting light of a light source into electrical energy. The apparatus includes a layered body having flat elements, a photovoltaic cell, a light conducting element, a light-switching element , and a photovoltaic cell arranged on a boundary surface of the layered body. The light-switching element (16) can be set to either transmit or block light, In the case of blocking, the light-switching element couples light into the photovoltaic cell t to convert received light into electric energy.