JP2024020095A - Window structure with transparent solar cells installed - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] Transparent solar cells 2a are installed in the windows 2 and 4 of a vehicle 1 or a building 3, and in a window structure configured to let in sunlight while generating electricity, use the transparent solar cells to capture as much light energy as possible. Make it possible to recover it as electrical energy. [Solution] In the window structures 2 and 4, which are opened in a wall structure that separates indoor and outdoor areas, and in which transparent solar cells that transmit visible light and absorb near-infrared light to generate electricity are installed, A movable shade 10 is provided that can cover at least a portion of the window on the inside and can be positioned to block light transmitted from the outdoor side of the window structure to the indoor side, and is provided on the outdoor side surface of the shade. When a reflective layer 12 that reflects light is applied, a wavelength conversion layer 14 that absorbs visible light and emits near-infrared light is laminated on the reflective layer, and the shade is located at a position that covers at least a portion of the window. Next, the wavelength conversion layer absorbs visible light that has passed through the transparent solar cell and releases near-infrared light, which is reflected by the reflective layer and irradiated onto the transparent solar cell. [Selection diagram] Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a window structure in which transparent glass or resin is fitted for vehicles and buildings, and more specifically, the present invention relates to a window structure in which transparent glass or resin is fitted. related to the window structure.

Attempts have been made to install solar cells on the roofs of vehicles such as automobiles and buildings, and to use the electrical energy generated there for various operations in vehicles and various equipment in buildings (e.g. , Patent Document 1, etc.). Regarding this point, in the case of general solar cells (such as Patent Document 2), since they do not transmit light, such solar cells cannot be placed in windows for daylighting in vehicles or buildings. . However, in recent years, transparent solar cells that transmit light in the visible wavelength range and generate electricity using light in the ultraviolet or near-infrared range have been developed (Patent Document 3, etc.). By fitting it into a regular window frame or installing it on top of a window, it can be used as a window that can let in sunlight and generate electricity. In addition, in Patent Document 4, a back protection sheet is laminated on the non-light-receiving surface side of a solar cell in order to improve the design of a solar cell module that generates electricity by absorbing light in the near-infrared region and to prevent a decrease in power generation efficiency. A transparent adhesive resin layer containing a wavelength converting agent that converts light in the long wavelength side of the visible light region to light with a longer wavelength is laminated on top of a reflective layer that reflects light in the near-infrared region. Using a sheet consisting of a solar cell, long-wavelength light in the visible light range that reaches the back side of the solar cell is converted into light in the near-infrared region by a transparent adhesive resin layer, and the light in the near-infrared region is reflected by a reflective layer. It has been proposed to increase the efficiency of using light in the visible light range.

JP2009-10127 JP2021-168322 JP2018-32872 JP2018-82031

As mentioned above, a transparent solar cell that transmits visible light (hereinafter referred to as a "transparent solar cell") is installed in the window of a vehicle or building (i.e., in a vehicle or building, light that is opened in the wall structure that partitions the interior and exterior of the vehicle). In a configuration in which transparent solar cells are placed in a window frame (area inside a window frame that transmits visible light), the visible light energy is not used for power generation because the transparent solar cells transmit visible light. , compared to solar cells that generate electricity using sunlight over a wide range of wavelengths.

By the way, in cases where a movable shade (interior board or curtain for blocking light) that does not transmit light is installed on the indoor side of the window of a vehicle or building in order to block light or hide the eyes. There is. A layer (wavelength conversion layer) containing a wavelength conversion substance such as a fluorescent substance that absorbs visible light and emits near-infrared light is laminated on such a movable shade, and transparent sunlight is applied to the wavelength conversion layer. If a structure is formed in which visible light that has passed through the battery is incident and near-infrared light emitted from it is returned to the transparent solar cell, sunlight will not be able to penetrate the window while the shade is covering the window. The visible light contained therein is converted into near-infrared light and then absorbed by the transparent solar cell and can be recovered as electricity, so the efficiency of using solar energy can be improved accordingly. In that case, it is further advantageous if as much near-infrared light emitted from the wavelength conversion layer on the shade is returned to the transparent solar cell as possible.

Thus, one of the problems of the present invention is to use transparent solar cells to generate as much light energy as possible in a window structure in which transparent solar cells are installed in the windows of vehicles and buildings and are configured to let in sunlight while generating electricity. The goal is to make it possible to recover electricity as electrical energy.

A more detailed object of the present invention is to apply a wavelength conversion layer on the outdoor side of the shade that absorbs visible light and emits near-infrared light in the window structure as described above, and to While blocking sunlight, the wavelength conversion layer converts the visible light component of the sunlight that has passed through the transparent solar cell into near-infrared light, and the converted near-infrared light is converted into as much as possible. The objective is to enable as much light energy as possible to be recovered as electrical energy by the transparent solar cell by returning it to the transparent solar cell.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the above-mentioned problem is solved by transmitting visible light to a region within a light-transmitting window frame opened in a wall structure separating indoor and outdoor areas and absorbing near-infrared light to generate electricity. A window structure in which a transparent solar cell is installed is configured such that the transparent solar cell is irradiated with sunlight from the outdoor side of the window structure and absorbs near-infrared light components in the sunlight to generate electricity. The window structure is
At least a part of the area within the window frame can be covered by the indoor side of the window structure, and light that passes through at least a part of the area within the window frame from the outdoor side of the window structure to the indoor side is blocked. A movable shade that can be positioned to
A reflective layer that reflects at least near-infrared light is applied on the outdoor side surface of the shade,
A wavelength conversion layer that converts visible light into near-infrared light and emits it is laminated on the reflective layer,
When the shade is placed in a position that covers at least a portion of the area within the window frame, near-infrared light emitted by the wavelength conversion layer absorbs visible light that has passed through the transparent solar cell. This is achieved by a window structure configured so that the radiation is reflected by the reflective layer and directed toward the transparent solar cell.

In the above configuration of the present invention, the "wall structure that separates indoor and outdoor areas" may be an outer wall of a vehicle body such as an automobile, an outer wall of a building, or the like. In the case of a vehicle, "window structure" refers to a transparent flat plate-like structure in the area within the window frame formed on the outer wall of the vehicle interior, such as the front window, side window, rear window, and skylight (sunroof, panoramic roof). It may be a window structure in which a glass material or a resin material is fitted. Furthermore, in the case of a building, the "window structure" may be a window structure in which a transparent flat glass material or resin material is fitted into a region within a window frame formed on the outer wall of the building. A "transparent solar cell" may be any type of solar cell that transmits visible light and absorbs near-infrared light to generate electricity, as described in Patent Document 3, and may be any type of solar cell that transmits visible light and absorbs near-infrared light. It may be installed by being fitted into the area within the window frame as part of the glass or resin material, or by being pasted onto a transparent flat glass or resin material. Thus, as described above, when sunlight is irradiated from outside onto a transparent solar cell installed in the area within the window frame, the visible light component in the sunlight passes through the transparent solar cell, while the near-infrared light component passes through the transparent solar cell. is absorbed by transparent solar cells and converted into electricity.

Further, in the window structure of the present invention described above, a movable shade can cover at least a part of the area within the window frame on the indoor side thereof, and a movable shade can cover at least a part of the area within the window frame from the outdoor side of the window structure to the indoor side. It is arranged so as to be able to block light that passes through at least a portion of the area within. That is, when it is desired to let light into the room from the window structure, the shade is moved to a position where it does not cover the area within the window frame, and when it is desired to block light from the window structure into the room, it is moved to a position where it covers the area within the window frame. It is configured so that it can be done. In such a shade, a reflective layer that reflects at least near-infrared light is first applied to the outdoor surface of the shade, and a wavelength conversion layer that absorbs visible light and emits near-infrared light is applied on the reflective layer. The layers are stacked. Note that the wavelength conversion layer may be a layer that absorbs visible light and emits near-infrared light in any format, and is typically a layer that absorbs visible light and emits near-infrared light. It may be a fluorescent layer containing a dispersed substance, but is not limited thereto (a phosphorescent substance that absorbs visible light and emits near-infrared light may also be used). According to this configuration, when the shade is in a position that covers at least a part of the area within the window frame, the wavelength conversion layer is in a state facing the transparent solar cell, so that the visible light component that has passed through the transparent solar cell is Near-infrared light is emitted from the wavelength conversion layer, and part of it directly enters the transparent solar cell, and the other part is reflected by the reflective layer and emitted from the transparent solar cell. It will be incident on the battery. In this state, transparent solar cells can not only generate electricity using near-infrared light from sunlight, but also use visible light components from sunlight, allowing more sunlight energy to be generated. This means that it can be recovered as electrical energy.

In the configuration of the present invention described above, near-infrared light converted from visible light in the wavelength conversion layer can also be emitted from the edge surface of the wavelength conversion layer. Therefore, in order to enable near-infrared light emitted from the edge of the wavelength conversion layer to be effectively used for power generation, the reflective layer of the shade is formed to cover the edge of the wavelength conversion layer. The transparent solar cell may be configured to be irradiated with near-infrared light emitted from the edge. Specifically, the reflective layer may be formed to have a thicker thickness toward the edge than the central region, and may have a shape such that the reflective surface of the edge is inclined so as to face the transparent solar cell.

Thus, according to the present invention, a transparent solar cell is installed in a window structure of a vehicle or a building, and in a configuration that allows daylight to come in while generating electricity, when daylight from the window is not required, the window can be closed. When covered with a shade, the visible light that passes through the transparent solar cells is converted into near-infrared light and returned to the transparent solar cells, thereby converting the visible light energy in sunlight into electricity. This means that solar energy can be recovered and the efficiency of using solar energy can be improved accordingly. Additionally, if the reflective layer is formed to cover the edge of the wavelength conversion layer, more visible light energy will be returned to the transparent solar cells, further improving the efficiency of solar energy utilization. .

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams of a vehicle and a building having a window structure to which this embodiment is applied. FIG. 2(A) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the window structure to which this embodiment is applied, with the shade not covering the window, and FIG. 2(B) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the window structure to which this embodiment is applied. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a window structure in which a shade covers the window.

1...Vehicle 1a...Exterior wall of vehicle 1w...Window frame 2, 4...Window 2a, 4a...Transparent solar cell 3...Building 3a...Outer wall of building 10...Shade 12...Reflective layer 12e...Edge of reflective layer 14...Wavelength conversion layer (fluorescent layer)
irl...near infrared light vl...visible light S...sunlight

Configuration of Window Structure of this Embodiment As depicted in FIGS. 1(A) and 1(B), the configuration of this embodiment includes a front window, a side It may be applied to the structure of the window 2 such as a window, rear window, skylight, etc., or the structure of the window 4 formed in the outer wall of the building 3.

Referring to FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B), in the windows 2 and 4 of this embodiment, first, the outer walls 1a and 3a partitioning between the outdoor side O and the indoor side I are A flat plate made of transparent glass or resin is fitted into the window frames 1w and 3w which are opened to let in light from the outdoor side O. A transparent solar cell 2a that absorbs infrared light to generate electricity is installed. Note that the transparent solar cell 2a is a solar cell that allows the other side to be seen through when one side of the solar cell is observed with the naked eye, and any type of solar cell may be used as long as it has such characteristics. may be adopted.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2(B), when blocking light from the outdoor side O on the indoor side I of the windows 2 and 4, the movable shade 10 covers the windows 2 and 4. It is provided so that it can be placed so as to cover it. For example, as shown in the figure, the shade 10 is appropriately moved along the surfaces of the windows 2 and 4 in the direction of arrow ” and a “fully closed position” that covers the entire area of the windows 2 and 4 and blocks light, and may be placed at any position. Alternatively, although not shown, the shade 10 can be hinged between a "fully open position" that does not cover the entire area of the windows 2 and 4 and a "fully closed position" that covers the entire area of the windows 2 and 4. It may be pivoted relative to 2,4.

In the shade 10 described above, as shown in the figure, a reflective layer 12 is laminated on the outdoor side of the interior board or curtain 11, and on the reflective layer 12, visible light vl is converted into near-infrared light irl. A wavelength conversion layer 14 is laminated. The reflective layer 12 may be any type of layer, for example, a mirror layer, that reflects light propagated from the outdoor side O toward the indoor side I toward the outdoor side O, that is, toward the transparent solar cell 2a. Further, the wavelength conversion layer 14 may be a layer that converts visible light vl into near-infrared light irl (light with a wavelength that can be converted into electric power by the transparent solar cell 2a) using any method, and typically The layer may be formed of a translucent material in which a fluorescent substance or a phosphorescent substance that absorbs visible light vl and emits near-infrared light irl is dispersed. As the fluorescent substance or phosphorescent substance, any pigment substance or quantum dot that absorbs visible light vl and emits near-infrared light irl may be used.

In the wavelength conversion layer 14 described above, near-infrared light irl converted from visible light vl is normally emitted in all directions of the wavelength conversion layer 14, but is emitted from the edge surface of the wavelength conversion layer 14. The reflective layer 12 may be formed so that the edge surface of the wavelength conversion layer 14 is also partially covered by the reflective layer 12 so that the near-infrared light irl directed toward the transparent solar cell 2a. More preferably, as shown in the figure, the edge 12e of the reflective layer 12 is formed such that the reflective surface faces the transparent solar cell 2a so that the light emitted from the edge surface of the wavelength conversion layer 14 goes toward the transparent solar cell 2a. May be tilted.

When the transparent solar cells 2a are installed in the window frames 1w and 3w as shown in FIG. 2(A) of the window structure of this embodiment , sunlight S flows from the outdoor side O of the outer walls 1a and 3a to the indoor side I. Upon entering the solar cell, the transparent solar cell 2a absorbs near-infrared light (700 nm~) irl in sunlight and converts it into electric power (generates electricity), while absorbing visible light (380 nm~700 nm) vl in sunlight. Since it allows light to pass through, it is possible to introduce light that can be seen with the naked eye into the indoor side I while generating electricity with the transparent solar cell. However, since the visible light vl enters the indoor side I, the energy of the visible light vl cannot be recovered as electric power.

By the way, in the vehicle 1 or building 3, if daylighting from the windows 2 and 4 is not necessary or desired, at least a portion of the windows 2 and 4 may be covered as shown in FIG. 2(B) above. Shades 10 that do not allow light to pass through are arranged along the windows 2 and 4. Therefore, in this embodiment, the wavelength conversion layer 14 for converting visible light vl into near-infrared light irl is provided on the side of the shade 10 facing the windows 2 and 4, and the wavelength conversion layer 14 for converting visible light vl into near-infrared light irl is provided on the side facing the windows 2 and 4 of the shade 10, and A reflective layer 12 that directs near-infrared light toward the transparent solar cell 2a is provided.

According to this configuration, as shown in FIG. 2(B), in a state where the shade 10 is arranged along the windows 2 and 4, when sunlight is first irradiated onto the windows 2 and 4, the above-mentioned effect occurs. As shown, near-infrared light irl in sunlight is absorbed by the transparent solar cell 2a and converted into electric power. On the other hand, the visible light vl that has passed through the transparent solar cell 2a reaches the wavelength conversion layer 14, where it is converted into near-infrared light irl and is emitted. Of the near-infrared light irl, the component that propagates toward the transparent solar cell 2a reaches the transparent solar cell 2a as it is, and the component that propagates away from the transparent solar cell 2a is reflected by the reflective layer 12. The component that reaches the transparent solar cell 2a and then exits from the edge surface of the wavelength conversion layer 14 is reflected by the inclined edge 12e of the reflective layer 12 and reaches the transparent solar cell 2a. Become. In this way, all of the near-infrared light components emitted from the wavelength conversion layer 14 in various directions reach the transparent solar cell 2a, where they are absorbed and converted into electric power. As a result, while the shade 10 covers the windows 2 and 4, not only the energy of near-infrared light in sunlight but also the energy of visible light is converted into electric power by the transparent solar cell 2a and recovered. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of sunlight usage.

Although the above description has been made in connection with the embodiments of the present invention, many modifications and changes are easily possible to those skilled in the art, and the present invention is limited to the embodiments illustrated above. It will be obvious that the present invention is not limiting and may be applied to a variety of devices without departing from the inventive concept.

Claims (5)

A window structure is provided in which a transparent solar cell that transmits visible light and absorbs near-infrared light to generate electricity is installed in an area within a window frame that transmits light, which is opened in a wall structure that separates indoor and outdoor areas. A window structure configured such that a solar cell is irradiated with sunlight from the outdoor side of the window structure and absorbs near-infrared light components in the sunlight to generate electricity,
At least a part of the area within the window frame can be covered by the indoor side of the window structure, and light that passes through at least a part of the area within the window frame from the outdoor side of the window structure to the indoor side is blocked. A movable shade that can be positioned to
A reflective layer that reflects at least near-infrared light is applied on the outdoor side surface of the shade,
A wavelength conversion layer that converts visible light into near-infrared light and emits it is laminated on the reflective layer,
When the shade is placed in a position that covers at least a portion of the area within the window frame, near-infrared light emitted by the wavelength conversion layer absorbs visible light that has passed through the transparent solar cell. A window structure configured such that irradiation is reflected by the reflective layer and directed toward the transparent solar cell. 2. The window structure according to claim 1, wherein the reflective layer is formed to cover an edge of the wavelength conversion layer, and the near-infrared light emitted from the edge of the wavelength conversion layer is irradiated to the transparent solar cell. window structure. 2. The window structure according to claim 1, wherein the wavelength conversion layer is a fluorescent layer containing dispersed fluorescent material that absorbs visible light and emits near-infrared light. A window structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is formed on a vehicle. A window structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is formed in a building.

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