Transparent Solar Concentrator Layout for Lower Reabsorption Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transparent solar concentrators face challenges in achieving high efficiency and transparency due to reabsorption losses, especially in larger plate sizes, which limits their adoption in architectural windows.
Innovation Solution
The development of a transparent luminescent solar concentrator (TLSC) that selectively absorbs near-infrared (NIR) light using scattering nanoparticle clusters embedded in a polymeric matrix, coupled with segmented solar cell arrays to reduce reabsorption losses and enhance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If LSCs utilize phosphorescent organic molecules or blends of multiple fluorophores to reduce reabsorption losses, then absorption efficiency is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the solar cell array into multiple smaller cells distributed across the waveguide surface, allowing each segment to collect light from a specific region. This segmentation reduces reabsorption losses by distributing collection points while maintaining overall system efficiency without requiring complex material blends.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the waveguide by incorporating scattering nanoparticle clusters that modify light propagation paths. This parameter change enables reduced reabsorption losses through altered photon trajectories rather than requiring complex fluorophore blends.
2Power
If LSCs are made larger to capture more solar energy, then power generation increases, but reabsorption losses increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large waveguide surface into multiple segments with distributed solar cells, allowing each cell to collect from a localized region. This segmentation enables large-area deployment while minimizing reabsorption losses that would otherwise scale with size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point collection approach to a distributed multi-point collection system across the waveguide surface. This dimensional distribution of collection points reduces the optical path length and reabsorption losses while maintaining large-area power generation capability.
3Power
If conventional solar modules are mounted on buildings to harvest solar energy, then power generation is achieved, but architectural aesthetics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where the waveguide serves both as an aesthetic architectural element (transparent window) and as a solar energy harvesting device. This universality allows the same structure to fulfill both aesthetic and functional requirements without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the transparency and optical properties of the waveguide material to maintain aesthetic appearance while harvesting solar energy. The colorless or transparent nature of the waveguide allows it to blend with architectural designs unlike conventional dark solar modules.
4Power
If LSCs absorb and emit in the visible spectrum to generate electricity, then power conversion is achieved, but transparency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light absorption and emission functions from the visible spectrum and relocates them to the ultraviolet and near-infrared spectra. This extraction allows the visible spectrum to pass through unchanged, maintaining transparency while still achieving power conversion through the non-visible spectral regions.
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 TLSC achieves high transparency in the visible spectrum with an average visible transmittance of greater than 70% and a color rendering index of greater than 85, while maintaining system efficiencies greater than 0.1-5%, effectively addressing the limitations of previous technologies.
Implementation Method 1
scattering nanoparticle clusters embedded in a polymeric matrix
Implementation Method 2
luminophore photoluminescence efficiency
Implementation Method 3
waveguide (trapping) efficiency
Implementation Method 4
solar cell efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
An energy harvesting system is provided. The energy harvesting system includes a waveguide, a luminophore embedded in the waveguide, and a solar photovoltaic array or a solar photovoltaic cell coupled to the waveguide. The energy harvesting system is visibly transparent, having an average visible transmittance of greater than about 50% and a color rendering index of greater than about 80 at normal incidence to the waveguide.