Wavelength-Selective Scattering Layer for Aesthetic PV Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photovoltaic cell installations are aesthetically unappealing and inefficient due to the need for dark, exposed surfaces to maximize light absorption, limiting their integration in structures where visual appearance is important, and existing energy transmissive layers do not allow for independent control of refractive indices for broad substrate applications.
Innovation Solution
Development of substantially transparent multi-layer micron-sized particles with tunable refractive indices for forming energy transmissive layers that scatter specific wavelengths of electromagnetic energy while allowing others to pass through, enabling a selectively opaque appearance from one side while maintaining high transmissivity on the other side, suitable for various substrate surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional photovoltaic cells use dark exposed surfaces to maximize light absorption, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the optical function into two separate layers: a photovoltaic cell layer for energy conversion and a translucent scattering layer for aesthetic appearance. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between efficiency and appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
A translucent scattering layer is introduced as an intermediary between the dark photovoltaic cells and the external environment. This intermediate layer scatters visible light to provide aesthetic appearance while allowing ultraviolet light to pass through to the photovoltaic cells for energy conversion.
2Ease of manufacture
If translucent layers are used to improve aesthetic appearance, then visual appeal is improved, but light transmission for energy harvesting deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The scattering layer exhibits different optical properties for different wavelengths: it scatters visible light (400-700 nm) to provide aesthetic appearance while remaining transparent to ultraviolet light (10-400 nm) for energy harvesting. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between appearance and light transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The scattering layer is designed to interact selectively with different portions of the electromagnetic spectrum, appearing translucent to visible light while being transparent to ultraviolet light. This wavelength-selective optical property allows simultaneous achievement of aesthetic appearance and energy transmission efficiency.
3Device complexity
If existing energy transmissive layers are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but independent control of refractive indices for broad substrate applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables independent control of refractive indices by modifying the composition and structure of the scattering layer. By adjusting particle size, concentration, and material composition, the refractive index can be optimized for different substrate types and applications while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through established coating techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The scattering layer is constructed as a composite material containing dispersed particles within a matrix, allowing independent optimization of optical properties. The composite structure enables tuning of refractive index by selecting appropriate particle materials, sizes, and concentrations, providing versatility for broad substrate applications while using conventional manufacturing methods.
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 solution allows for the creation of aesthetically pleasing energy harvesting surfaces that maintain high efficiency by masking photovoltaic cells or sensors, enabling their integration in diverse applications without compromising energy transmission or appearance.
Implementation Method 1
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.