Thermo-dielectric-elastomer-cell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar photovoltaic technologies have low energy density and efficiency, with commercial panels averaging 10-15% efficiency and losing significant energy as heat, which is difficult to convert into usable electricity, while global warming further reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The development of a thermo-dielectric-elastomer-cell (TDEC) technology that uses smart dielectric elastomer materials and photo-switchable molecules to convert heat into electricity with high power density, incorporating carbon nanotubes and semi-crystalline polypropylene disks to maximize expansion and contraction, and potentially harnessing rain-induced electricity in rainy regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If commercial solar photovoltaic panels are used, then electricity generation is achieved, but energy conversion efficiency is low (10-15%) and significant energy is lost as heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful heat waste from solar panels into useful electricity through the Seebeck effect. Thermoelectric materials are placed in thermal contact with the solar panel backsheet, creating a temperature difference that generates electrical current from the previously wasted heat energy, thereby converting a harmful byproduct into a beneficial energy source
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two energy conversion mechanisms into a single hybrid system: photovoltaic conversion for direct electricity generation and thermoelectric conversion for heat-to-electricity transformation. This combined approach allows the system to simultaneously harvest both visible light and infrared radiation, maximizing energy utilization from solar irradiation
2Productivity
If solar photovoltaic technology is deployed at large scale, then energy supply needs are addressed, but land area requirements become excessive due to low power density
Solution Approach 1:
By combining photovoltaic and thermoelectric conversion in a hybrid system, the patent enables dual energy harvesting from the same land area. The top layer captures visible light while the bottom layer captures infrared radiation, effectively doubling the energy generation capacity per unit area and reducing the total land footprint required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spectral absorption parameters by using selective coatings and materials that target different portions of the solar spectrum. The top PV layer optimizes for visible light while the bottom TE layer optimizes for infrared, allowing the system to capture a broader range of solar energy with the same physical footprint
3Temperature
If global warming increases, then temperature rise occurs, but solar photovoltaic efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the temperature increase caused by global warming and panel operating conditions into useful electricity through thermoelectric generation. The heat that previously reduced PV efficiency is now harvested by thermoelectric materials, transforming a detrimental effect into a beneficial energy source
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition concepts through the Seebeck effect, where a temperature gradient (phase difference in thermal energy) across thermoelectric materials directly converts thermal energy into electrical energy, enabling the system to profit from temperature increases rather than suffer from them
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
Achieves energy conversion efficiencies of up to 80-90% and power densities of 4 Watt/g, significantly surpassing traditional solar panels, with reduced material costs and no need for external batteries, capable of continuous power generation day and night.
Implementation Method 1
a layer of carbon nanotubes that absorb sunlight
Implementation Method 2
a layer of photo switchable molecules
Implementation Method 3
The smart material dielectric elastomer which was first discovered by Alexander Volta... the DE material is able to compress and decompress, or expand and contract again and again
Implementation Method 4
Said thermocell configuration is made of SeSn, tin solenide, which has very high Seebeck coefficient and high ZT
Implementation Method 5
A disk made of micro or nano-rods of semi-crystalline polypropylene (PP) (with α equal to 155 at 20° C. and 10-6 K−1) which has highest linear expansion coefficient is placed on top of the DE material to allow for maximum expansion and contraction
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatuses related to thermo-dielectric-elastomer-cells may be shown and described. In one embodiment a thermo dielectric elastomer cell (TDEC) can include a layer of carbon nanotubes that absorb sunlight; a layer of photo switchable molecules; a plurality of dielectric elastomer layers, each of the plurality of dielectric elastomer layer comprising a layer of dielectric elastomer material and a layer of N-P junction transistors between the layers of dielectric elastomer material; a layer of insulators separating each of the plurality of dielectric elastomer layers; and an elastic cushioning which is placed between the plurality of dielectric elastomer layers and surrounding the dielectric elastomer material.