AU2021202165A1

AU2021202165A1 - Photovoltaic Electricity Generation Apparatus

Info

Publication number: AU2021202165A1
Application number: AU2021202165A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Fadi Labanie
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-12-10
Filing date: 2021-04-08
Publication date: 2022-06-30
Also published as: AU2022204248A1

Abstract

The apparatus 100 includes an EM radiating device 110 and a photovoltaic cell 120. The EM radiating device 110 is adapted and/or configured to generate EM radiation in the visible light and NIR spectrum (e.g. between 400 nm - 1140 nm). In one embodiment, the EM radiating device 110 is a chip-on-board (COB) LED device capable of generating radiation almost solely within the visible and NIR range, at around 29,000 lumens and 7,000 kelvins, and requiring around 70W - 110W to operate. In another embodiment, the EM radiating device 110 is an infrared (IR) chip capable of generating radiation almost solely within the IR and NIR range, and requiring around 5W - 15W to operate. 812 840 830 Figure 9

Description

840 830

Figure 9

Photovoltaic Electricity Generation Apparatus

Field of the Invention

[1] The present invention relates to a photovoltaic electricity generation system and apparatus.

Background of the Invention

[2] Installed global volumes of solar cells have increased year on year for the past decade, fuelled by falling costs and increasing efficiencies of solar cells. At the end of 2019, the total installed global volume of photovoltaic cells by energy produced exceeded 630,000 MW, and this volume will only continue to rise in the coming decades.

[3] Current solar cell have an efficiency of about 20% meaning they convert around 20% of incident sunlight to electric current. This efficiency further falls usually within an hour of a cell commencing operation to about 18%, due to rising temperatures within the cell. This 2% drop in efficiency represents a 10% (i.e. 2% of 20%) drop in energy generation, equating to a global loss of around 63,000 MW

[4] There is a need to increase the efficiency of solar cells to a level that is significantly higher than the current -20%, and to further reduce other losses such as the 2% drop in efficiency after the first hour of operation. The heat loss can also increase depending on weather conditions, location, and season (i.e. in a desert high tempura loss of heating panels will be created compared to in inner city location).

[5] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention

[6] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a photovoltaic electricity generating apparatus comprises a photovoltaic (PV) panel and an electromagnetic (EM) radiating device, wherein the PV panel is irradiated by EM radiation from the EM radiating device.

[7] Preferably, the photovoltaic electricity generating apparatus further comprises a reflector, the reflector positioned with respect to the PV panel and EM radiating device to redirect EM radiation towards the PV panel.

[8] Preferably, the EM radiating device radiates light within predominantly, if not solely, a specific range of wavelengths.

[9] Preferably, the specific range of wavelengths is between 400 nm and 1140 nm.

[10] Preferably, the specific range of wavelengths is between 700 nm and 1100 nm.

[11] Preferably, the reflector may be a combination of one or more of a mirror, light guide, or other reflecting or refracting device.

[12] Preferably, the EM radiating device is a chip-on-board (COB) LED.

[13] Preferably, the EM radiating device is an infrared (IR) chip.

[14] Preferably, the photovoltaic electricity generating apparatus further comprises one or more of a fan and a ventilation port.

[15] According to another aspect of the present invention, an AC power generator comprise a stack of one or more photovoltaic electricity generating apparatuses, an AC motor connected to, and electrically driven by, the stack, and a generator connected to and driven by the AC motor, whereby AC power is output from the generator.

[16] Preferably, the AC power generator further comprises an AC to DC converter connecting the output of the generator to the stack, whereby the EM radiating devices in the stack are powered by the output from the generator after passing through the AC to DC converter.

[17] According to another aspect of the present invention, an AC power generator comprises a stack of one or more photovoltaic electricity generating apparatuses, and an output of the stack is connected to an inverter to produce AC power.

[18] Preferably, the AC power generator further comprises an AC to DC converter connecting the output of the inverter to the stack, whereby the EM radiating devices in the stack are powered by the output from the inverter after passing through the AC to DC converter.

[19] According to another aspect of the present invention, a power supply system for an electric vehicle comprises a stack of one or more photovoltaic electricity generating apparatuses, a DC motor powered by the stack, and an alternator driven by the DC motor, wherein the output of the alternator is connected to a main power board of the vehicle for use and distribution.

[20] Preferably, a battery powers the EM radiating devices of the photovoltaic electricity generating apparatuses at least during startup.

[21] Preferably, the power supply system further comprises a regulator connecting the main power board to the battery and/or the stack, wherein the output of the main power board, having passed through the regulator, is supplied to the battery and/or the stack to charge and/or power the battery and the stack.

[22] According to another aspect of the present invention, a power source for an appliance comprises a stack of one or more photovoltaic electricity generating apparatuses, an inverter connecting the output of the stack to a motor or other load to thereby power the motor/load, and a battery for powering the EM radiating devices of the stack at least during startup.

[23] According to another aspect of the present invention a power source comprises one or more stacks of one or more photovoltaic electricity generating apparatuses, a battery, a DC motor, an alternator driven by the DC motor, and a main switch connecting an output of the one or more stacks and the battery to the DC motor. An electrical output of the alternator is in part fed back to the one or more stacks to power the stacks and in part fed to a load powered by the power source.

[24] According to another aspect of the present invention a power source comprises two or more stacks of one or more photovoltaic electricity generating apparatuses, a battery, a DC motor, an alternator driven by the DC motor, a main switch connecting an output of the one or more stacks and the battery to the DC motor, a relay electrically positioned between the output of the DC motor and the two or more stacks, an electrical controller positioned at an electrical output of the two or more stacks, and signal wiring electrically connecting the electrical controller to one or more of the relay, the alternator, and the DC motor. The electrical controller is operable to manually or automatically control the relay to switch between providing power from the alternator to each of the two or more stacks.

[25] According to another aspect of the present invention, a photovoltaic electricity generating apparatus comprises a photovoltaic (PV) panel and an electromagnetic (EM) radiating device, wherein the PV panel is irradiated by EM radiation from the EM radiating device, the EM device includes a mix of COB LEDs and IR chips, and the IR chips are positioned relative to the COB LEDs to irradiate areas of the PV panel where radiation from the COB LEDs is reduced.

[26] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[27] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[28] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a photovoltaic electricity generating apparatus according to one aspect of the invention;

[29] Fig. 2 illustrates a photovoltaic electricity generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention;

[30] Fig. 3 further illustrates a photovoltaic electricity generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention;

[31] Fig. 4 illustrates an AC power generator according to another aspect of the invention;

[32] Fig. 5 illustrates a further AC power generator according to another aspect of the invention;

[33] Fig. 6 illustrates an electric vehicle power supply system according to another aspect of the invention;

[34] Fig. 7 illustrate a power source for an appliance, according to another aspect of the invention;

[35] Fig. 8 illustrates a power source according to another aspect of the invention;

[36] Fig. 9 illustrates a further power source according to another aspect of the invention;

[37] Figs. 10A - 10C illustrates a photovoltaic electricity generating apparatus according to a further embodiment of the invention; and

[38] Fig. 11 schematically illustrates an interaction of electromagnetic radiation with a photovoltaic cell.

Detailed Description

[39] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[40] Fig. 11 illustrates a typical interaction of electromagnetic (EM) radiation 1100 with a silicon based photovoltaic (PV) cell 1110, such as those typically found in solar panels. The inventor of the present invention has found that EM radiation within a certain range of wavelengths is particular useful to the PV cell 1110 for the purposes of generating electricity, and that EM radiation outside of this range is of less use to the PV cell 1110 for the purpose of generating electricity, and in some cases detrimental to this cause. Specifically, the inventor has found that the useful range of EM radiation is between 400nm and 1140nm, which encompasses the visible light spectrum and near infrared (NIR).

[41] As illustrated in Fig. 11, EM radiation outside of this range either passes through (see 1115) the PV cell 1110 or conversely is unable to sufficiently penetrate into the PV cell 1110 (see 1120). Additionally, it has been found that whilst EM radiation outside of the useful range does not meaningfully contribute to the generation of electricity, such radiation does however generate heat in the PV cell 1110 resulting in degraded performance, and further interrupts the free electron flow in the PN junction of the PV cell 1110 which also results in degraded performance.

[42] For the above reasons, a typical solar panel comprised of PV cells 1110 has a maximum efficiency of around 20%, which drops to around 18% after the first hour of operation due to a build-up of heat in the panel. A typical solar panel operating at the typical efficiency of 20% and producing 330W of power could however produce around 630W (after adding loss of energy during over heating conditions, reflection cause by glass panel protection, unwanted wavelength from sunlight. etc.) of power if the EM radiation incident on the cells of the panel is limited to predominantly, if not only, EM radiation within the useful range, and EM radiation outside of this range is reduced or prevented from being incident.

[43] With reference to Fig. 1, a photovoltaic (PV) electricity generating apparatus 100 is schematically illustrated. The apparatus 100 includes an EM radiating device 110 and a photovoltaic cell 120.

[44] The EM radiating device 110 is adapted and/or configured to generate EM radiation in the visible light and NIR spectrum (e.g. between 400 nm - 1140 nm). In one embodiment, the EM radiating device 110 is a chip-on-board (COB) LED device capable of generating radiation almost solely within the visible and NIR range, at around 29,000 lumens and 7,000 kelvins, and requiring around 70W - 110W to operate. In another embodiment, the EM radiating device 110 is an infrared (IR) chip capable of generating radiation almost solely within the IR and NIR range, and requiring around 5W - 15W to operate.

[45] The photovoltaic cell 120 is any suitable semi-conductor device such as a PN junction for converting incident light to electricity.

[46] With reference to Fig. 2, a first physical embodiment of the PV electricity generating apparatus 100 is described. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the apparatus 100 includes a light panel 210 housing a plurality of the EM radiating devices 110, a photovoltaic panel 220 made up of a plurality of the photovoltaic cells 120, and reflectors 230.

[47] The light panel 210 is located at an optimal distance away from the photovoltaic panel 220 such that the photovoltaic panel 220 is sufficiently (e.g. in terms of surface area, luminosity, intensity, etc.) covered by light emitted from the EM radiating devices 110 housed in the light panel 210 using preferably as few EM radiating devices 110 as possible. The optimal distance will differ depending on the size/dimensions of the photovoltaic panel 220, characteristics of the EM radiating devices 110 such as position, size, aperture, emission angle, and the like, shape of the light panel 110, and other characteristics of the components of the apparatus 100, which would be known to a skilled person and would be determinable by the skilled person without significant difficulty. In the case of a 1490 mm x 600 mm photovoltaic panel 220 illuminated by 8 IR chips 110, an optimal distance separating the photovoltaic panel 220 and the light panel 210 may be, for example, between 50 mm 250mm. Typically, each IR chip 110 comprises four IR emitters and will cover an area of the photovoltaic panel 220 of approximately 250mm in diameter when located around 100mm perpendicularly away from the panel 220 (i.e. from the major plane/face of the panel 220).

[48] The reflectors 230 are reflecting and/or refracting devices such as mirrors and light guides for redirecting non-incident light (i.e. light that would not hit the photovoltaic panel 220) onto the photovoltaic panel 220. The reflectors 230 may be curved, flat, angled, concaved, convexed, and/or otherwise positioned and shaped so as to maximise redirection of non-incident light back onto the panel 220. Use of reflectors 230 can increase the amount of incident light onto the photovoltaic panel 220 by up to 15%. Additionally, the reflectors 230 further serve to block out EM radiation outside of the useful range, reducing heat and increase free electron flow in the photovoltaic cells 120 of the photovoltaic panel 220.

[49] Fig. 3 illustrates a cut-away view of the PV electricity generating apparatus 100, showing in particular an exemplary positioning of the EM radiating devices 110 relative to the photovoltaic panel 220 to achieve sufficient and suitable coverage of the photovoltaic panel 220. As also illustrated in Fig. 3, the PV electricity generating apparatus 100 may include fans 310 and vents/ventilation ports 320 for facilitating airflow through the apparatus 100 for cooling. As would be appreciated by a skilled person, the EM radiating devices 110 generate heat which, as mentioned above, can negatively affect the performance of the PV cells 1110 in the photovoltaic panel 220. A COB LED, for example, can heat up to around 25- 35 degrees Celsius but which can drop to around 10 - 15 degrees Celsius through the use of fans 310 and vents 320. This reduction in heat can result in a net increase of around 3% in power generated by the apparatus 100.

[50] In use, when irradiated predominantly if not solely with EM radiation in the useful range, a photovoltaic panel 220 that would otherwise generate around 330W under natural daylight can be expected to generate up to around 630W. As mentioned above, a COB LED requires around 70W to operate. Using 4 - 8 COB LEDs would require around 280W 560W of power. A net power output/gain of between 70W - 350W is therefore achieved. Alternatively, if using 4 - 8 IR chips which each require around 5W to operate, 20W - 40W of power would be needed to operate the chips resulting in a net power output/gain of between 590W - 610W.

[51] In a worst case scenario where it is assumed that the photovoltaic panel 220 continues to generate only 330W (i.e. same as under natural daylight), a configuration of the apparatus 100 that uses IR chips would still generate a net power output (e.g. around 290W - 410W).

[52] Power losses can be further reduced (and hence power output increased) by removing a glass protection layer that is typically found on photovoltaic panels 220, treating the silicon of the photovoltaic panels 220 with silicon monoxide, and/or having a textured titanium dioxide layer coating the surface of each PV cell so as to reduce reflected light.

[53] The PV electricity generating apparatus 100 as described above provides a number of clear advantages over traditional systems using solar panels exposed to natural sunlight.

[54] Firstly, the apparatus 100 according to the present invention significantly increases the efficiency of PV cells 1110 by ensuring that the cells 1110 receive predominantly (if not only) EM radiation in the useful range. This reduces detrimental heat generation in the cells 1110 and further increases the available free electron flow within the cells 1110. A photovoltaic panel 220 that would otherwise generate 330W of power under natural sunlight can be expected to generate up to around 630W of power when used in the PV electricity generating apparatus 100 of the present invention.

[55] Further, the apparatus 100 according to the present invention is able to operate 24 hours a day, and not just during sunlight hours. Moreover, power generation is constant and consistent, and does not vary depending on environmental conditions (e.g. clouds, rain, season, etc.).

[56] Still further, the apparatus 100 according to the present invention can be located anywhere, not just outdoors. This allows for the apparatus 100 to be located where it will be safe from environmental hazards such as hail, floods, dust, and the like. This also allows for the apparatus 100 to be incorporated into appliances, vehicles, homes, and other devices as a power source.

[57] Fig. 4 illustrates an AC power generator 400 suitable for use, for example, as a source of power/electricity for a home. The power generator 400 comprises a stack 401 of PV electricity generating apparatuses 100 connected to an AC motor 410 that drives a generator 430. The stack 401 comprises one or more PV electricity generating apparatuses 100 connected in series and/or in parallel. A solar controller 405, inverter 407 and other peripheral electrical components are provided as necessary, as would be readily apparent to a skilled person. The generator 430 supplies electricity to the main electrical box 450 of the house, which then distributes power to the rest of the house. An AC to DC converter 440 connects the generator 400 and/or the main electrical box 450 back to the stack 401 of PV electricity generating apparatuses 100 to supply the power needed to operate the EM radiating devices 110 and fans 310 of the apparatuses 100. A battery 460 may also be provided between the AC to DC converter 440 and the stack 401 such that the battery 460 powers the EM radiating devices 110 and fans 310, and is in turn charged/re-charged by the electricity generated by the generator 430.

[58] Fig. 5 illustrates another AC power generator 500 suitable for use, for example, as a source of power/electricity for a home. The power generator 500 comprises a stack 501 of PV electricity generating apparatuses 100 connected to an inverter 507, which in turn is connected directly to the main electrical box 550 of the house. The stack 501 comprises one or more PV electricity generating apparatuses 100 connected in series and/or in parallel. In this case, the inverter 507 supplies AC power to the main electrical box 550, as opposed to driving a motor as was the case with the AC power generator 400 of Fig. 4. An AC to DC converter 540 connects the main electrical box to the stack 501 of PV electricity generating apparatuses 100 to supply the power needed to operate the EM radiating devices 110 and fans 320 of the apparatuses 100. A battery 560 may also be provided between the AC to DC converter 540 and the stack 501 such that the battery 560 powers the EM radiating devices 110 and fans 310, and is in turn charged/re-charged by the electricity generated by the generator 530.

[59] Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a power supply system 600 for an electric vehicle. The power supply system 600 comprises a stack 601 of PV electricity generating apparatuses 100. The stack 601 comprises one or more PV electricity generating apparatuses 100 connected in series and/or in parallel. The stack 601 is connected to a DC motor 610 which drives the alternator 620 of the vehicle. The alternator 620 is connected to the vehicle's main power board 630, as is standard, for use and distribution whereby the electricity needs of the vehicle are supplied. The stack 601 is further connected to a battery 640, for example a lead-acid battery typically used in vehicles. The battery 640 powers the EM radiating devices 110 and fans 320 of the PV electricity generating apparatus 100, at least during initial startup of the system 600. Once the system 600 has started, it is expected that the EM radiating devices 110 and fans 320 of the PV electricity generating apparatus 100 will be powered by electricity supplied from the main power board 630. Alternatively, the EM radiating devices 110 and fans 320 of the PV electricity generating apparatus 100 can continue to be powered by the battery 640, with the battery continuously recharged by electricity from the main power board 630. A regulator 650 may be provided, for example between the main power board 630 and the stack 601, to maintain a target voltage.

[60] Fig. 7 illustrates a power source 710 for an appliance 700, for example a refrigerator. The power source 700 comprises a stack 701 of PV electricity generating apparatuses 100. The stack 701 comprises one or more PV electricity generating apparatuses 100 connected in series and/or in parallel. The stack 701 is connected to a DC to AC inverter 720 which in turn is connected to a motor 730 or other load of the appliance to power the appliance 700, assuming the appliance 700 requires AC power. A battery 715 is provided to initiate/startup the PV electricity generating apparatus 100 in the stack 701, in particular to power the EM radiating devices 100. After startup, the EM radiating devices 110 are powered by the PV electricity generating apparatus 100. The power source 710 frees the appliance 700 from the constrain of needing to be located near a power socket. An appliance 700 having the power source 710 is able to be located anywhere.

[61] Fig. 8 illustrates a further power source 810. The power source 810 is suitable for use in a vehicle system or to power a dwelling. When used in a vehicle system, the power source 810 allows a vehicle's electricity generation system to be decoupled from its mechanical system, whereby engine motion is no longer a necessary requirement for the continued generation of electricity within the vehicle system.

[62] The power source 810 comprises a stack 801 of PV electricity generating apparatuses 100. The stack 801 comprises one or more PV electricity generating apparatuses 100 connected in series and/or in parallel. The stack 801 is connected to a main switch 812. Connected in parallel to the stack 801 via the main switch 812 is a battery 815. The switch 812 provides a switchable electrical connection 813 to a DC motor 830 which mechanically drives an alternator 840. In the "ON" position, the switchable electrical connection 813 of the switch 812 connects the positive outputs of both the battery 815 and the stack 801 to the DC motor 830. In the "OFF" position, the switchable electrical connection 813 of the switch 812 causes an open circuit between the positive outputs of both the battery 815 and the stack 801 and the DC motor 830. An electrical output of the alternator 840 is fed back to the stack 801 to power the stack 801, and fed also to the system being powered such as a vehicle's electrical system or a dwelling's electrical system.

[63] In operation, the main switch 812 is switchable between and on and off position. When switched from the off to on position, current is supplied from the battery to the DC motor 830 thereby electrically driving the DC motor 830, which in turn mechanically drives the alternator 840. The mechanically driven alternator 840 generates a current which is in part fed to the stack 801 and in part fed to the vehicle's or dwelling's electrical system. The stack 801, once powered by the output of the alternator 840 operates to generate a current by way of its PV electricity generating apparatuses 100. The current generated by the stack 801 drives the DC motor 830 and charges the battery 815.

[64] In one experiment, a 12v DC motor 830 with an output of 150w drove a 100A self exciting alternator 840 with 2500 RPM to generate an output of 100A at 12v. Such an experiment it can replace an alternator to highest Amperage as required (i.e. 200A, 300A.

etc). The stack of 801 will generate enough Constance current to supply DC motor while the main switch in ON position

[65] Fig. 9 illustrates a first variation 910 of the power source 810. Like reference numbers in Fig. 9 refer to like components in Fig. 8.

[66] The first power source variation 910 includes an additional stack 901, a controller 950, a fuse 955, and a relay 960, in addition to the other components of the power source 810. The controller 950 is positioned between the outputs of the stacks 801, 901 and the battery 815. The main switch 812 has a switchable electrical connection 813 that connects one terminal of the battery 815 rather than both, as was the case with the power source 810, with the other terminal of the battery 815 in this case hard wired to the DC motor 830. Similar to the power source 810, when in the "ON" position the switchable electrical connection 813 of the switch 812 connects the positive outputs of both the battery 815 and the stack 801 to the DC motor 830. In the "OFF" position, the switchable electrical connection 813 of the switch 812 causes an open circuit between the positive outputs of both the battery 815 and the stack 801 and the DC motor 830.The relay 960 is positioned between the output of the alternator 840 and the inputs to the stacks 801, 901, with the fuse 955 intervening therebetween.

[67] In operation, the relay 960 is operated to switch between supplying current from the alternator 840 to stack 801 and stack 901. Switching may be conducted to alternate between stack 801 and 901 to reduce overheating and increase the lifespan of the EM radiating devices 110 in the PV electricity generating apparatuses 100 of the stacks 801, 901. Switching may also be conducted to serve as a form of backup redundancy such that one of stacks 801, 901 is powered up when the other of the stacks 901, 801 experiences a failure.

[68] In one variation of the first power source variation 910, the relay 960 may be a user interface such as a user interface panel or screen. The user interface allows switching of the stacks 801, 901 to be user controlled.

[69] With reference to Fig. 10A, a second physical embodiment of the PV electricity generating apparatus 100 is described. Similar to the first physical embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2, the second physical embodiment includes a light panel 210 housing a plurality of the EM radiating devices 110, a photovoltaic panel 220 made up of a plurality of photovoltaic cells 120, and reflectors 230 which also serve as a housing 1010 of the apparatus 1000.

[70] In the specific example of Fig. 10A, the photovoltaic panel 220 is positioned 110mm above the photovoltaic panel 220, the light panel 210 has dimensions of 220mm by 113mm and has a radiation angle of 1200, and the photovoltaic panel 220 has dimensions of 500mm by 500mm. It should be understood by a person skilled in the art however that these particular dimensions are exemplary and may be varied to suit different applications and circumstances.

[71] For an electricity generating apparatus having the configuration described above, a radiation efficiency of the light panel 210 by angle is illustrated in Fig. 10B. As shown in Fig. B, as the angle from the light panel 210 increases away from the perpendicular, the radiation efficiency decreases.

[72] To account for the decrease in radiation efficiency in the areas of the photovoltaic panel 220 that are away from the perpendicular, the light panel 210 in this embodiment is comprised of a mixture of COB LED 1020 and IR chips 1030 with the IR chips 1030 positioned to cover the areas where radiation efficiency from the COB LEDs 1020 is low, as illustrated in Fig. 10C. IR chips 1030 are typically cheaper than COB LED 1020 and can be cost effectively utilised to increase radiation efficiency in these areas.

[73] Whilst preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be apparent to skilled persons that modifications can be made to the embodiments described.

[74] In the preferred embodiment, optimal results were obtained by replacing COB chip LED with IR chips with wavelength of 1050nm. The advantage of this method are as follows:

a. Lower cost of amp power to light IR chips (about 70w for whole solar panel instead about 140w if we use COB chip LED)

b. Lower amp required - the 12 IR chips require about 6amp DC (very low)

c. Reduce the refraction of IR wavelength (COB chip LED very difficult and very expensive to produce 1050nm wavelength as they limited with performance. instead of IR chips which can easily produce any wavelength with lower cost

d. COB chips LED produce high refraction wavelength and they will cause loss in energy and efficiency

e. COB chip LED produce larger amount of heat compare to IR chips

f. Reduce the size of actual box (encapsulation with solar) we can put 10 solar panels with only space of 1450x650x1000, 10 solar panels currently required space of 6000 long x 1500 height (basically cover 90% of normal house roofing)

g. Deal / handing IR's must easier and simpler instead of COB chip LED.

Claims

Claims The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A photovoltaic electricity generating apparatus comprising a photovoltaic (PV) panel and an electromagnetic (EM) radiating device, wherein the PV panel is irradiated by EM radiation from the EM radiating device.

2. The photovoltaic electricity generating apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a reflector, the reflector positioned with respect to the PV panel and EM radiating device to redirect EM radiation towards the PV panel.

3. The photovoltaic electricity generating apparatus of claim 2, wherein the EM radiating device radiates light within predominantly, if not solely, a specific range of wavelengths.

4. The photovoltaic electricity generating apparatus of claim 3, wherein the specific range of wavelengths is between 400 nm and 1140 nm.

5. The photovoltaic electricity generating apparatus of claim 4, wherein the specific range of wavelengths is between 700 nm and 1100 nm.

6. The photovoltaic electricity generating apparatus of claim 5, wherein the reflector may be a combination of one or more of a mirror, light guide, or other reflecting or refracting device.

7. The photovoltaic electricity generating apparatus of claim 6, wherein the EM radiating device is a chip-on-board (COB) LED.

8. The photovoltaic electricity generating apparatus of claim 7, wherein the EM radiating device is an infrared (IR) chip.

9. The photovoltaic electricity generating apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more of a fan and a ventilation port.

10. An AC power generator comprising a stack of one or more photovoltaic electricity generating apparatuses as claimed in claim 1, an AC motor connected to and electrically driven by the stack, and a generator connected to and driven by the AC motor, whereby AC power is output from the generator.

11. The AC power generator as claimed in claim 10, further comprising an AC to DC converter connecting the output of the generator to the stack, whereby the EM radiating devices in the stack are powered by the output from the generator after passing through the AC to DC converter.

12. An AC power generator comprising a stack of one or more photovoltaic electricity generating apparatuses as claimed in claim 1, an output of the stack connected to an inverter to produce AC power.

13. The AC power generator as claimed in claim 12, further comprising an AC to DC converter connecting the output of the inverter to the stack, whereby the EM radiating devices in the stack are powered by the output from the inverter after passing through the AC to DC converter.

14. A power supply system for an electric vehicle, the system comprising a stack of one or more photovoltaic electricity generating apparatuses as claimed in claim 1, a DC motor powered by the stack, and an alternator driven by the DC motor, wherein the output of the alternator is connected to a main power board of the vehicle for use and distribution.

15. The power supply system as claimed in claim 14, wherein a battery powers the EM radiating devices of the photovoltaic electricity generating apparatuses at least during startup.

16. The power supply system as claimed in claim 15, further comprising a regulator connecting the main power board to the battery and/or the stack, wherein the output of the main power board, having passed through the regulator, is supplied to the battery and/or the stack to charge and/or power the battery and the stack.

17. A power source for an appliance, the power source comprising a stack of one or more photovoltaic electricity generating apparatuses as claimed in claim 1, an inverter connecting the output of the stack to a motor or other load to thereby power the motor/load, and a battery for powering the EM radiating devices of the stack at least during startup.

18. A power source comprising one or more stacks of one or more photovoltaic electricity generating apparatuses as claimed in claim 1, a battery, a DC motor, an alternator driven by the DC motor, and a main switch connecting an output of the one or more stacks and the battery to the DC motor, wherein an electrical output of the alternator is in part fed back to the one or more stacks to power the stacks and in part fed to a load powered by the power source.

19. A power source as claimed in claim 18, wherein two or more stacks are provided and the power source further comprises: a relay electrically positioned between the output of the DC motor and the two or more stacks, an electrical controller positioned at an electrical output of the two or more stacks, and signal wiring electrically connecting the electrical controller to one or more of the relay, the alternator, and the DC motor, and further wherein the electrical controller is operable to manually or automatically control the relay to switch between providing power from the alternator to each of the two or more stacks.

20. The photovoltaic electricity generating apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the EM device includes a mix of COB LEDs and IR chips, and further wherein the IR chips are positioned relative to the COB LEDs to irradiate areas of the PV panel where radiation from the COB LEDs is reduced.

Ͳ1/11Ͳ

100 2021202165

110

120

Figure1

Ͳ2/11Ͳ 2021202165

100 210 230

220

Figure2

Ͳ3/11Ͳ 2021202165

320 310 100 110

Figure3

Ͳ4/11Ͳ 2021202165

400

450 401 405

407

410 430

440 100

460

Figure4

Ͳ5/11Ͳ 2021202165

500

501 550

505

507

100 540 560

Figure5

Ͳ6/11Ͳ 2021202165

600

601

610 620

100 630

650 640

Figure6

Ͳ7/11Ͳ 2021202165

710

701

715 700 720

100 730

710

Figure7

Ͳ8/11Ͳ 2021202165

810

801

812

840 830 815

Figure8

Ͳ9/11Ͳ 2021202165

910

801 970 950 970

970 901 970 812 960

970 970

955 840 830 970

970

815

Figure9

Ͳ10/11Ͳ

100

1010 210 2021202165

230

220

Figure10A

Figure10B

1030 1020

Figure10C

Ͳ11/11Ͳ 2021202165

1100

1120

1115

1110

Figure11