Two-Prism Light Condensing Structure for Reflection Loss Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light condensing devices face challenges in efficiently condensing solar light due to limitations in design, leading to reduced optical energy utilization and conversion efficiency in photovoltaic and photo-thermal applications.
Innovation Solution
A light condensing device comprising a first prism member that deflects light to exit through a rear surface and a second prism member with a reflecting structure, optimizing the angle of incidence to enhance light condensation and energy density, utilizing a total reflection+mirror type configuration to minimize losses and maximize energy condensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the vertex angle of the prism member is reduced to increase the light condensing multiplication factor, then the light condensing multiplication factor is improved, but the angle of incidence of light on the bottom surface becomes smaller causing light transmission instead of reflection
Solution Approach 1:
The single prism member is divided into two separate prism members: a first prism member for light condensation and a second prism member for light reflection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the first prism having a shape defined for high multiplication factor and the second prism providing the necessary reflection functionality that the first prism cannot achieve alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The first prism member acts as an intermediary that condenses light from a large area onto a smaller area, creating a concentrated light beam that then enters the second prism member. This intermediary function allows the system to achieve both high multiplication factor and effective reflection by separating the condensation and reflection functions into two distinct components.
2Loss of energy
If the angle of incidence of solar light is increased to improve reflection at the bottom surface, then the reflection efficiency is improved, but the light intensity per unit area entering the entrance surface is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the functions of light collection and light reflection into two distinct prism members. The first prism member collects light at optimal angles for maximum intensity transmission, while the second prism member handles the reflection function, allowing each component to operate at its optimal angle without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the angular parameters of light propagation through the optical path. The first prism member transforms light entering at various angles into a condensed beam with specific angular characteristics, which then enters the second prism member at angles optimized for reflection, effectively managing the angular transformation to satisfy both intensity and reflection requirements.
3Loss of energy
If a mirror surface is formed on the bottom surface to improve light reflection, then the reflection efficiency is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the bottom surface of a single prism with complex mirror structures, the system segments the function into a separate second prism member that inherently provides the reflection functionality through its geometric shape and material properties, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining reflection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The second prism member serves as a simplified copy or alternative implementation of the reflection function, using total internal reflection principles rather than requiring complex mirror surface coatings or structures, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while achieving the same functional outcome.
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 proposed solution significantly increases the shape-defined light condensing multiplication factor, allowing for higher efficiency in optical energy utilization and conversion, achieving improved performance in photovoltaic and photo-thermal energy generation.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light condensing structures that are formed at the front surface and condense the light having entered thereat
Implementation Method 2
condense the light having entered thereat by causing it to be reflected a plurality of times
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of deflecting structures, each projecting out at the rear surface in correspondence to one of the plurality of light condensing structures, which deflect light having been condensed via the light condensing structures
Implementation Method 4
is guided toward the exit surface as the light is reflected at the reflecting structure and at the entrance surface inside the second prism member
Implementation Method 5
is guided toward the exit surface as the light is reflected at the reflecting structure and at the entrance surface inside the second prism member
Data Source
AI summary
A first prism member includes a plurality of light condensing structures that are formed at the front surface and condense the light having entered thereat and a plurality of deflecting structures which deflect light having been condensed via the light condensing structures and output the deflected light; a second prism member includes an entrance surface set so as to face opposite the rear surface of the first prism member; and the light having been deflected and output by the deflecting structures of the first prism member enters the second prism member through the entrance surface of the second prism member, is guided toward the exit surface as the light is reflected at the reflecting structure and at the entrance surface inside the second prism member, and exits through the exit surface.