High-performance planar solar concentrators based on nanoparticle doping
AssigneeWashington State University
InventorsWenji Dong, Yilin Li
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A light scattering-based solar concentrator (LSSC) uses high refractive index nanoparticles (NPs) as dopants to selectively scatter photons across the solar spectrum without spectroscopic conversion by different sized nanoparticles. The LSSCs are limited by a single parameter: the surface photon losses, which can be addressed by nanofabrication to implement anti-reflective and light trapping structures into LSSC designs. The LSSC design provides solar concentrator techniques for photovoltaic (PV) applications.
Claims21
A light scattering-based solar concentrator (LSSC) for photovoltaic (PV) applications, comprising dielectric oxide nanoparticles (NPs) having a refractive index greater than 2.0 dispersed in a binder formed as a waveguide configured for attachment to a solar cell.
A solar energy device, comprising:
- a light scattering-based solar concentrator (LSSC) comprising dielectric oxide nanoparticles ranging in size from 100 nm to 800 nm and having a refractive index greater than 2.0 dispersed in a binder which is optically transparent for light and is thermal and photo radiation stable with a refractive index of 1.4 to 1.8;
- and
- at least one solar cell connected to at least one edge of the LSSC.
A cover for an electronic device, comprising:
- a light scattering-based solar concentrator (LSSC) comprising dielectric oxide nanoparticles ranging in size from 100 nm to 800 nm and having a refractive index greater than 2.0 dispersed in a binder which is optically transparent for light and is thermal and photo radiation stable with a refractive index of 1.4 to 1.8;
- at least one solar cell connected to at least one edge of the LSSC;
- and
- a conductor to provide energy from the at least on solar cell to an electronic device which fits within or partially within the cover.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.