Transparent Luminescent Solar Concentrator Window
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of large-area solar cells is hindered by high installation costs and the need for undeveloped land, as existing technologies lack efficient and cost-effective solutions for transparent solar harvesting systems.
Innovation Solution
A visibly transparent luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) is developed, featuring a transparent substrate with a dye layer that absorbs light outside the visible band and re-emits it at a peak wavelength optimized for internal reflections, coupled with a photovoltaic device to generate electrical energy, utilizing materials like molecular dyes, organometallic complexes, and wavelength selective mirrors to enhance light trapping and conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional solar cells are deployed to generate electrical energy, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but installation costs increase and land availability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of a window pane and a solar energy harvesting device into a single integrated structure. The transparent substrate with dye layer and photovoltaic device creates a dual-function element that serves both as a transparent surface and as an energy generator, eliminating the need for separate solar panel installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The luminescent solar concentrator is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a transparent window pane for building integration, harvests solar energy across large areas, and converts light to electrical energy at the edges. This multi-functionality allows existing transparent surfaces to be utilized for energy generation without requiring additional land or structures.
2Productivity
If the dye layer absorbs more light in the visible band, then energy harvesting is improved, but transparency of the substrate is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dye layer is designed with specific optical properties that allow it to absorb light primarily in the ultraviolet and near-infrared regions while remaining transparent to visible light. This localized absorption characteristic enables the substrate to maintain high transparency in the visible spectrum while still harvesting energy from other parts of the solar spectrum.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent selects dye materials with specific absorption and emission wavelength characteristics. By choosing dyes whose peak absorption is outside the visible band (in UV or NIR regions) and whose emission can be waveguided to edges, the system achieves both transparency and energy harvesting. The refractive index of the substrate is also optimized to enhance waveguiding of emitted light.
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 LSC achieves efficient energy conversion with high transparency, reducing installation costs and enabling solar energy generation through existing transparent surfaces, such as window panes, while optimizing internal reflections and light absorption within the substrate.
Implementation Method 1
A dye layer is coupled to the substrate, the dye layer having a peak absorption wavelength outside the visible band, the dye layer being configured to re-emit light at a peak emission wavelength outside the visible band
Implementation Method 2
at least a portion of the re-emitted light being waveguided to the edge surface of the substrate. The peak emission wavelength may be selected to optimize internal reflections within the transparent substrate
Implementation Method 3
A photovoltaic device is coupled to the edge surface of the transparent substrate, the photovoltaic device being configured to absorb light at the peak emission wavelength and generate electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A visibly transparent luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) is disclosed. The LSC includes a transparent substrate having at least one edge surface. A dye layer is coupled to the substrate, the dye layer having a peak absorption wavelength outside the visible band, the dye layer being configured to re-emit light at a peak emission wavelength outside the visible band, at least a portion of the re-emitted light being waveguided to the edge surface of the substrate. A photovoltaic device is coupled to the edge surface of the transparent substrate, the photovoltaic device being configured to absorb light at the peak emission wavelength and generate electrical energy.