Back to results
US 2022/0302876 A1Published application
Photovoltaic and thermal energy system providing visible light transmission and methods of use
OwnerFrank C Paoinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A building integrated photovoltaic and thermal energy system is disclosed. The system includes photovoltaic panels integrated into glass structures that may replace existing designs of skylights, atrium windows, building facades, and other applicable structures while converting sunlight to electricity. The system also includes a thermal energy system configured with the photovoltaic system to convert sunlight to thermal energy. The integration of the system into building structures provides an aesthetically pleasing structure while generating required power.
Claims20
A power generating system comprising:
- a sheet structure comprising a first layer and a second layer, an upper surface of the first layer defining a top of the sheet structure and a lower surface of the second layer defining a bottom of the sheet structure, the first and second layers generally aligned and overlapping;
- a plurality of photovoltaic cells configured between the first and second layers, each one of the plurality of photovoltaic cells separated from an adjacent one of the photovoltaic cells by one or more gaps, wherein the gaps provide a pathway for visible light incident upon the top of the sheet structure to pass through the bottom of the sheet structure;
- and
- a frame coupled to at least a portion of a perimeter of the sheet structure and adapted to secure the sheet structure to a building structure;
- wherein the visible light transmission of the sheet structure is 5% to 95%.
2 more elements
A power generating system comprising:
- a sheet structure comprising a first layer and a second layer, an upper surface of the first layer defining a top of the sheet structure and a lower surface of the second layer defining a bottom of the sheet structure, the first and second layers generally aligned and overlapping;
- a plurality of photovoltaic cells configured between the first and second layers, each one of the plurality of photovoltaic cells separated from an adjacent one of the photovoltaic cells by one or more gaps, wherein the gaps provide a pathway for visible light incident upon the top of the sheet structure to pass through the bottom of the sheet structure;
- a frame coupled to at least a portion of a perimeter of the sheet structure and adapted to secure the sheet structure to a building structure;
- and
- a thermal energy collection system including a thermal tubing structure configured to circulate a liquid, and a heat exchanger configured to extract heat from the liquid;
- wherein the visible light transmission of the sheet structure is 5% to 95%;
- and
- wherein light transmission through the sheet structure heats the liquid.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.