Wavelength-Selective Energy Scattering Layer for Solar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in creating energy transmissive layers that can selectively scatter specific wavelengths of electromagnetic energy while allowing remaining wavelengths to pass through, particularly in applications where aesthetic concerns and efficiency in energy harvesting are simultaneously addressed.
Innovation Solution
The development of substantially transparent multi-layer micron-sized particles with controlled refractive indices, allowing for the formation of energy transmissive layers that scatter specific wavelengths of electromagnetic energy while maintaining high transmissivity, achieved through advanced light scattering techniques and particle suspension methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional light scattering techniques are used to create opaque appearance, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but energy transmissivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the coating structure serve different functions: the outer surface layer contains scattering particles for aesthetic appearance, while the inner layers are designed for energy transmission. This spatial differentiation allows the coating to simultaneously achieve opaque appearance and high energy transmissivity by localizing the scattering function to specific regions rather than uniformly throughout the entire coating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining scattering particles with transparent binder materials in a multi-layer coating structure. The composite nature allows the coating to exhibit both scattering properties (for aesthetic appeal) and transmission properties (for energy efficiency) simultaneously, as different materials within the composite contribute different optical functions.
2Productivity
If wavelength-selective scattering is implemented, then energy harvesting efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the size, shape, and material composition of particles within the coating to selectively scatter different wavelengths of light. By adjusting these physical parameters of the scattering particles, the coating can be tuned to transmit specific wavelength ranges that match the absorption characteristics of underlying photovoltaic materials, thereby improving energy harvesting efficiency without requiring complex external filtering systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements segmentation by dividing the coating into multiple functional layers, each with specific scattering and transmission characteristics. This layered structure allows different wavelength ranges to be handled by different layers, with each layer optimized for specific optical functions, thereby achieving wavelength-selective energy harvesting through a modular approach that manages complexity through functional decomposition.
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
These energy transmissive layers effectively appear opaque from the incident side while allowing at least 50% and up to 80% of incident energy to pass through, enhancing both aesthetic appeal and energy harvesting efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
layers formed of the disclosed particles and material compositions selectively scatter specific wavelengths of electromagnetic energy back in an incident direction while allowing remaining wavelengths to pass therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
A particularly-formed multi-layer micron-sized particle is provided that is substantially transparent, yet that exhibits selectable coloration based on its physical properties. The disclosed physical properties of the particle are controllably selectable refractive indices to provide an opaque-appearing energy transmissive material when pluralities of the particles are suspended in a substantially transparent matrix material. Multiply-layered (up to 30+constituent layers) particles result in an overall particle diameter of less than 5 microns. The material suspensions render the particles deliverable as aspirated or aerosol compositions onto substrates to form layers that selectively scatter specific wavelengths of electromagnetic energy while allowing remaining wavelengths of the incident energy to pass. The disclosed particles and material compositions uniquely implement optical light scattering techniques in energy (or light) transmissive layers that appear selectively opaque, while allowing 80+% of the energy impinging on the light incident side to pass through the layers.