Thin Film Solar Cell Module Selective Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Greenhouses face high energy consumption for nighttime illumination and 'light pollution' due to excessive stray radiation, which is not effectively converted into energy by existing thin-film solar cell modules, especially in densely populated areas.
Innovation Solution
A thin-film solar cell module with a selectively reflective layer between two photo-electric layers, allowing radiation in the 500-600 nm wavelength domain to be reflected and absorbed for energy conversion, improving efficiency and reducing light pollution by converting stray radiation into electricity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a photo-electric module with a selectively reflecting layer is used to increase conversion efficiency, then the conversion efficiency is improved, but the module can no longer convert stray radiation from internal illumination sources
Solution Approach 1:
The photo-electric module is divided into multiple photo-electric layers, each optimized for different wavelength ranges. The first photo-electric layer converts solar radiation in its optimal wavelength range, while the second photo-electric layer converts stray radiation from internal illumination sources. The selectively reflecting layer segments the radiation paths, directing different wavelength ranges to appropriate photo-electric layers, thus resolving the contradiction between optimizing for solar conversion and maintaining capability for stray radiation conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a dimensional aspect by introducing multiple photo-electric layers stacked in different orientations. The first photo-electric layer is oriented to maximize solar radiation capture from outside the greenhouse, while the second photo-electric layer is oriented to capture stray radiation from inside the greenhouse. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows the module to perform both functions simultaneously without compromise.
2Productivity
If a selectively reflecting layer is added to improve solar radiation conversion, then conversion efficiency increases, but the structural complexity of the module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The selectively reflecting layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it reflects specific wavelength ranges to enhance conversion efficiency for the first photo-electric layer, directs stray radiation to the second photo-electric layer, and maintains overall module transparency for photosynthesis. By making this single component multi-functional, the invention achieves high conversion efficiency without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The module employs composite material structures, combining photo-electric layers with selectively reflecting materials that have specific optical properties. These composite structures are designed to achieve desired optical performance while managing complexity through material-level solutions rather than complex mechanical arrangements.
3Productivity
If the photo-electric layer absorbs more radiation in the 500-600 nm range, then energy conversion increases, but transmission of sunlight for photosynthesis decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The selectively reflecting layer introduces local quality variations in the radiation spectrum. It selectively reflects specific wavelength ranges (500-600 nm) to the second photo-electric layer while allowing other wavelength ranges to pass through to the greenhouse interior. This local quality control enables the system to optimize energy conversion in specific spectral bands without compromising overall sunlight transmission for photosynthesis.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the spectral distribution parameters of transmitted radiation. By selectively reflecting certain wavelength ranges and transmitting others, the module modifies the spectral composition of light reaching the greenhouse interior. This parameter change ensures that sufficient photosynthetically active radiation is transmitted while maximizing energy conversion in the reflected wavelength bands.
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 module enhances energy conversion efficiency by reflecting and absorbing stray radiation, reducing light pollution while maintaining sunlight transmission for photosynthesis, achieving improved selectivity and absorption factors with minimal absorption losses.
Implementation Method 1
a photo-electric layer arranged for receiving solar radiation and for converting solar radiation in at least a second wavelength domain different from the at least a first wavelength domain into electric energy
Implementation Method 2
a selectively reflective layer arranged against the photo-electric layer for reflecting radiation in said second wavelength domain transmitted by the photo-electric layer
Implementation Method 3
The module comprises a further photo-electric layer for absorbing and converting radiation in at least the second wavelength domain into electric energy
Implementation Method 4
solar energy which is selectively transmitted by said at least one thin-film solar cell module comprises a light band of sunlight to facilitate photosynthesis by a given plant
Data Source
AI summary
A thin film solar cell module (1) is disclosed that is substantially translucent in at least a first wavelength domain. The module comprises a photo-electric layer (20) arranged for receiving solar radiation and for converting solar radiation in at least a second wavelength domain different from the at least a first wavelength domain into electric energy and a selectively reflective layer (30) arranged against the photo- electric layer for selectively reflecting radiation in said second wavelength domain transmitted by the photo-electric layer. The module further comprises a further photo-electric layer (40) for absorbing and converting radiation in at least the second wavelength domain into electric energy, the selectively reflective layer (30) being arranged between the photo-electric layer (20) and the further photo-electric layer (40) wherein the at least a first wavelength domain comprises a first wavelength band from 350 nm to 500 nm and a second wavelength band from 600 nm to 700 nm and wherein the second wavelength domain comprises a wavelength range extending from 500 to 600 nm.