Solar arrays and other photovoltaic (PV) devices using PV enhancement films for trapping light
US8338693B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 16, 2009 |
| Grant date | Dec 25, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 16, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/52
Abstract
A solar energy conversion assembly for efficiently capturing solar energy by providing additional chances to absorb reflected sunlight. The assembly includes one or more solar cells that each include a light-receiving surface. A fraction of light incident upon the light-receiving surface is reflected. The assembly includes a photovoltaic (PV) enhancement film of transparent material such as plastic positioned to cover at least a portion of the light-receiving surface. The PV enhancement film includes a substrate positioned proximate to or abutting the light-receiving surface. The film includes a plurality of total internal reflection (TIR) elements on the substrate opposite the light-receiving surface. The TIR elements transmit initially received or incident light to the light-receiving surface of the solar cell without significant focusing and then use TIR to trap a substantial portion of the reflected light to provide additional chances for absorption such that typically lost light may be converted to electricity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.