Partially Translucent Photovoltaic Window With Lead-Getter Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a potential risk that water penetration through a damaged photovoltaic window can dissolve lead compounds, leading to environmental and health hazards due to the distribution of Pb2+ ions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a lead getter material in intermediate layers that scavenges dissolved lead compounds and converts them into insoluble substances, maintaining window integrity and preventing environmental distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional photovoltaic modules are used, then electricity generation is achieved, but aesthetic appearance and natural light transmission are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic module is divided into multiple individual photovoltaic cells arranged in a grid pattern, separated by transparent spacer elements. This segmentation allows light to pass through the gaps between cells and spacers, maintaining natural light transmission while each cell continues to generate electricity independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the window have different properties: the photovoltaic cells are opaque for electricity generation, while the spacer elements and inter-cell regions are transparent for light transmission. This local differentiation allows simultaneous optimization of both energy generation and aesthetic appearance.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional photovoltaic modules are used, then electricity generation is achieved, but aesthetic appearance and integration with architecture is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The module uses segmented photovoltaic cells with transparent spacers between them, creating a grid pattern that resembles traditional window panes. This segmentation allows the module to be integrated into architectural facades while maintaining aesthetic appeal through the regular geometric pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The photovoltaic cells are mounted on a support structure with transparent spacers, creating a thin, flat module design that can be easily integrated into building facades. The overall structure maintains a sleek, modern appearance suitable for architectural applications.
3Productivity
If photovoltaic cells are closely spaced to maximize energy generation, then electricity generation efficiency is improved, but light transmission and aesthetic appearance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent spacer elements are strategically positioned at specific locations between photovoltaic cells, allowing light transmission through these localized transparent regions while maintaining close spacing of the energy-generating cells. This creates optimal balance between productivity and light transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
Transparent spacer elements serve as intermediary structures between the photovoltaic cells, filling the gaps while allowing light to pass through. These spacers enable close cell spacing for maximum energy generation while simultaneously providing transparent pathways for natural light transmission.
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 effectively immobilizes lead ions, mitigating environmental and health risks by converting them into non-soluble forms, while maintaining the window's functionality and integrity.
Implementation Method 1
A photovoltaic window comprises a plurality of photovoltaic cells arranged in a grid pattern
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A partially translucent photovoltaic window (1) is provided herein that comprises a photovoltaic module (4) enclosed between a first window pane (2) and a second window pane (6), The photovoltaic module comprises a stack with at least a first electrode layer (41), a second electrode layer (45) and a perovskite photovoltaic layer (43) sandwiched between the electrode layers. The photovoltaic window (1) further comprises between the first window pane (2) and the photovoltaic module (4) as well as between the second window pane (6) and the photovoltaic module (4) a respective intermediate layer (3,5) comprising a lead getter material.