Translucent Panel System with Autonomous Light Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing translucent panel systems for portholes rely on external energy sources, such as electrical networks or batteries, which are exhaustible and may fail in case of breakdown, limiting their autonomy and requiring constant power supply adjustments for opacity control.
Innovation Solution
A translucent panel system incorporating a light energy sensor device with photovoltaic solar collectors and a battery system to harness and store energy, allowing partial or full autonomy by using luminous energy for power supply and opacity adjustment, with a polarizable film that adapts opacity based on power supply voltage, and an additional polarizable film for finer opacity control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external power supply (electrical network or battery) is used to power the polarizable film, then the opacity adjustment function is achieved, but the system loses autonomy and requires constant external energy input
Solution Approach 1:
The panel system harvests light energy from the environment through photovoltaic sensors integrated into the transparent screen, enabling it to power its own polarizable film and control systems without continuous external energy input. The system serves itself by converting ambient light into electrical energy for autonomous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers light energy that would otherwise be wasted or unused by the structure, converting it into electrical power through photovoltaic conversion. This recovered energy is stored in batteries and used to power the polarizable film, transforming a discarded resource (ambient light) into a useful energy source.
2Use of energy by moving object
If photovoltaic sensors are attached to the transparent screen, then energy is harvested for autonomous operation, but the transparency of the screen is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic sensors are selectively positioned and distributed across the transparent screen in specific patterns and densities, allowing different regions to have different properties. This enables energy harvesting in certain areas while maintaining transparency in critical viewing areas, optimizing both functions locally.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent screen is constructed as a composite structure integrating photovoltaic sensor materials with transparent substrates. This composite approach allows the screen to simultaneously provide structural support, maintain optical transparency, and harvest solar energy through the embedded photovoltaic elements.
3Duration of action of moving object
If battery storage is used to store harvested energy, then autonomous operation during low light periods is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery storage system is integrated and merged with the panel structure itself, combining the energy storage function with the existing architectural elements. This reduces the need for separate, additional components and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining autonomous operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery system serves multiple functions: storing harvested energy for later use, providing backup power during high-demand periods, and potentially serving as part of the structural or aesthetic design of the panel assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated single-purpose components.
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
Ensures autonomous operation of the panel system by utilizing solar energy for power, reducing energy consumption during high luminosity and utilizing stored energy during low light periods, with additional security from external power supply in case of battery depletion, and provides finer opacity adjustments based on lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the device with light energy sensors comprises solar thermal and/or photovoltaic sensors
Implementation Method 2
a polarizable film arranged to vary the degree of blocking of the light passing through said porthole
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
A translucent panel system comprising a panel (13) comprising a translucent layer provided with a transparent screen on which there is mounted a device having sensors sensing light energy from a light source, so as to allow viewing through the translucent layer, the panel (13) further comprising an internal layer provided with a polarisable film intended to modify the degree of opacity of the panel (13), the translucent layer being opposite the internal layer. The translucent panel system comprises an element for transmitting and/or storing energy originating from the device having sensors and a system for supplying power and adjusting the degree of opacity of the polarisable film, the power supply and adjustment system being at least partially supplied by the element for transmitting and/or storing light energy.