High-efficiency translucent solar module assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar panels, especially semi-transparent and translucent ones, have low power conversion efficiency and obstruct aesthetic views, while also allowing unwanted IR radiation to pass through, leading to increased energy needs for heating and cooling in buildings and greenhouses.
Innovation Solution
A solar module assembly with bi-facial photovoltaic silicon cells arranged in a pattern with gaps, where incident light is reflected onto the bottom surface of the cells using a tunable reflector, allowing visible light to pass through for illumination while converting IR and blue light into electricity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If semi-transparent or translucent solar panels are used to maintain aesthetic views and allow light transmission, then visibility through the panel is improved, but power conversion efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel is divided into multiple segments: transparent photovoltaic cells, opaque photovoltaic cells, and gap regions. This segmentation allows different regions to serve different functions - transparent regions maintain visibility while generating electricity, opaque regions maximize power generation, and gaps provide additional light transmission paths
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the panel are assigned different optical properties - some areas use transparent PV cells for aesthetic applications, while other areas use opaque PV cells for maximum efficiency. This local differentiation allows the panel to simultaneously satisfy both aesthetic and efficiency requirements in different zones
2Illumination intensity
If transparent PV panels are used to allow light transmission, then visibility is improved, but IR radiation blocking capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The panel converts the previously harmful IR radiation into useful electricity by using photovoltaic cells that can capture a broader spectrum including IR wavelengths. This transforms the harmful thermal radiation into beneficial electrical energy while maintaining visible light transmission
3Productivity
If partial transparent panel with Si wafers in pattern is used to improve conversion efficiency, then power conversion efficiency is improved, but aesthetic view deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The panel uses transparent photovoltaic cells in regions where aesthetic views are prioritized, while using opaque PV cells in regions where maximum power generation is the priority. This spatial differentiation of cell types allows the panel to simultaneously achieve both aesthetic appeal and high conversion efficiency in different zones
Solution Approach 2:
The panel combines transparent photovoltaic materials with opaque photovoltaic materials in a composite structure. This composite approach allows the panel to exhibit both transparent and opaque properties in different regions, achieving a balance between aesthetics and efficiency
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 configuration enhances light-to-electricity conversion efficiency and reduces energy demands by utilizing otherwise wasted radiation, while maintaining sufficient light penetration for interior illumination and plant growth.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of solar panels is arranged in a string, sandwiched between two transparent panes forming a single string panel
Implementation Method 2
A reflector is mounted on the mid portion... incident light is reflected onto the bottom surface of the cells using a tunable reflector
Data Source
AI summary
A solar module assembly includes a frame having an upper portion encompassing an area and a mid portion disposed below the upper portion. A plurality of solar panels is arranged in a string, sandwiched between two transparent panes forming a single string panel. The solar panels occupy less than the area of the upper portion. Each of the plurality of solar panels has a pair of opposing edges. A reflector is mounted on the mid portion to reflect light selectively.