US 12,445,086 B2 · Three-dimensional photovoltaic charging system

Abstract

A compact, three-dimensional (3D) photovoltaic charging system comprising a photovoltaic unit encased in a transparent housing, a power management unit, and a support base. The photovoltaic unit having non-coplanar photovoltaic surfaces that are positioned at a relative distance and a relative orientation. Compared to conventional flat solar panels, the 3D photovoltaic charging system can collect light vertically, therefore amplifying solar module power density, defined as power output per installation footprint area. A photo-tracking, 3D photovoltaic charging system is also described, having a photovoltaic unit encased in a transparent housing, a power management unit, and means to track a source of electromagnetic radiation. The photo-tracking, 3D photovoltaic charging system tracks a moving light source, resulting in improved light flux intake, and therefore, enhanced electric power output.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A three-dimensional (3D) photovoltaic charging system comprising:

a tubular housing extending in a longitudinal direction;
a plurality of discrete photovoltaic layers encased in the tubular housing and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction;
and
a power management unit configured to receive and manage electric current from the plurality of discrete photovoltaic layers,
wherein each discrete photovoltaic layer is supported within the housing at a location along an outer edge of the respective layer and extends away from said location in the same direction,
wherein the tubular housing is at least partially transparent about an entire perimeter of the tubular housing such that light from outside the housing can be transmitted through the housing in all directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and
wherein substantially an entire planar face of each photovoltaic layer lies on the same transverse side of said location.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Three-dimensional photovoltaic charging system

Life of this patent

Three-dimensional photovoltaic charging system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20