WO2009016581A2 - Light output device - Google Patents

Light output device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009016581A2
WO2009016581A2 PCT/IB2008/053024 IB2008053024W WO2009016581A2 WO 2009016581 A2 WO2009016581 A2 WO 2009016581A2 IB 2008053024 W IB2008053024 W IB 2008053024W WO 2009016581 A2 WO2009016581 A2 WO 2009016581A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
light source
devices
led
light
lamination layer
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2008/053024
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2009016581A3 (en
Inventor
Bram F. Joosen
Roger C. Sexton
Marten Sikkens
Coen T. H. F. Liedenbaum
Original Assignee
Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. filed Critical Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
Publication of WO2009016581A2 publication Critical patent/WO2009016581A2/en
Publication of WO2009016581A3 publication Critical patent/WO2009016581A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S9/00—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply
    • F21S9/02—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply the power supply being a battery or accumulator
    • F21S9/03—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply the power supply being a battery or accumulator rechargeable by exposure to light
    • F21S9/037—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply the power supply being a battery or accumulator rechargeable by exposure to light the solar unit and the lighting unit being located within or on the same housing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B17/00—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres
    • B32B17/06—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material
    • B32B17/10—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin
    • B32B17/10005—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing
    • B32B17/10009—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing characterized by the number, the constitution or treatment of glass sheets
    • B32B17/10036—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing characterized by the number, the constitution or treatment of glass sheets comprising two outer glass sheets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B17/00—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres
    • B32B17/06—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material
    • B32B17/10—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin
    • B32B17/10005—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing
    • B32B17/10165—Functional features of the laminated safety glass or glazing
    • B32B17/10174—Coatings of a metallic or dielectric material on a constituent layer of glass or polymer
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B17/00—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres
    • B32B17/06—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material
    • B32B17/10—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin
    • B32B17/10005—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing
    • B32B17/1055—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing characterized by the resin layer, i.e. interlayer
    • B32B17/10706—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing characterized by the resin layer, i.e. interlayer being photo-polymerized
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B17/00—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres
    • B32B17/06—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material
    • B32B17/10—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin
    • B32B17/10005—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing
    • B32B17/1055—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing characterized by the resin layer, i.e. interlayer
    • B32B17/10761—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing characterized by the resin layer, i.e. interlayer containing vinyl acetal
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V33/00—Structural combinations of lighting devices with other articles, not otherwise provided for
    • F21V33/006—General building constructions or finishing work for buildings, e.g. roofs, gutters, stairs or floors; Garden equipment; Sunshades or parasols
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F13/00—Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising
    • G09F13/04—Signs, boards or panels, illuminated from behind the insignia
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S40/00—Components or accessories in combination with PV modules, not provided for in groups H02S10/00 - H02S30/00
    • H02S40/30—Electrical components
    • H02S40/38—Energy storage means, e.g. batteries, structurally associated with PV modules
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
    • F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
    • F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E70/00—Other energy conversion or management systems reducing GHG emissions
    • Y02E70/30—Systems combining energy storage with energy generation of non-fossil origin

Definitions

  • This invention relates to light output devices, in particular using discrete light sources associated with a substantially transparent substrate structure.
  • LED in glass One known example of this type of lighting device is a so-called "LED in glass” device.
  • An example is shown in Figure 1.
  • a glass plate is used, with a transparent conductive coating (for example ITO) forming electrodes.
  • the conductive coating is patterned in order to make the electrodes, that are connected to a semiconductor LED device.
  • the assembly is completed by laminating the glass, with the LEDs inside a thermoplastic layer (for example polyvinyl butyral, PVB).
  • a thermoplastic layer for example polyvinyl butyral, PVB
  • Figure 1 schematically shows two planar substrates, and represents the LEDs as point light sources within the substrate arrangement.
  • the lighting device can be used for illumination of other objects, for display of an image, or simply for decorative purposes.
  • a light output device comprising: - a substrate arrangement comprising first and second substantially transparent substrates and a substantially transparent lamination layer between the substrates; at least one light source device integrated into the lamination layer; at least one at least partially transparent photovoltaic cell integrated into the lamination layer; - a set of substantially transparent conductors providing connections to the light source device or devices and to the cell or cells; and a rechargeable battery arrangement for charging by the at least one photovoltaic cell and for providing power to the light source device or devices.
  • This arrangement provides a lighting device, which can operate independently of any external power supply.
  • the device has a plurality of light source devices, and these can be arranged as an array of point light sources in the substrate arrangement. They are then all powered by the rechargeable battery arrangement, and connected to the set of substantially transparent conductors.
  • the device can be almost fully transparent to the visible light spectrum, and this makes it particularly attractive for use in glass ceiling applications, providing a transparent product by day to give natural daylight, and providing lighting by night.
  • the device preferably further comprises a power converter for converting between the cell voltage and a required voltage for charging the battery and in turn driving the light source devices.
  • a light sensor can be used in combination with a controller for controlling the light source devices based on the light sensor signal.
  • Each light source device can comprise an LED device or a group of LED devices, for example inorganic LEDs, organic LEDs, polymer LEDs or laser diodes.
  • the lamination layer may comprise a thermoplastic or resin layer.
  • the invention also provides a lighting system comprising a plurality of light output devices of the invention arranged in an array.
  • the lighting system can comprise a portion of a ceiling of a building.
  • Figure 1 schematically shows a known LED in glass illumination device
  • Figure 2 shows a single LED of the device of Figure 1 in more detail
  • Figure 3 shows a system of the invention.
  • the structure of an LED in glass illumination device is shown in Figure 2.
  • the lighting device comprises glass plates 1 and 2. Between the glass plates are (semi-) transparent electrodes 3a and 3b (for example formed using ITO), and a LED 4 connected to the transparent electrodes 3a and 3b.
  • a layer of thermoplastic material 5 is provided between glass plates 1 and 2 (for example PVB or UV resin).
  • the glass plates typically may have a thickness of 1.1mm - 2.1 mm.
  • the spacing between the electrodes connecting to the LED is typically 0.01 - 3 mm, for example around 0.15 mm.
  • the thermoplastic layer has a typical thickness of 0.3mm- 2mm, and the electrical resistance of the electrodes is in the range 2 - 80 Ohm, or 10-30 Ohms/square.
  • the electrodes are preferably substantially transparent, so that they are imperceptible to a viewer in normal use of the device. If the conductor arrangement does not introduce a variation in light transmission (for example because it is not patterned, or because the pattern cannot be seen), a transparency of greater than or equal to 50% may be sufficient for the system to be transparent. More preferably, the transparency is greater than 70%, more preferably 90%, and even more preferably 99%. If the conductor arrangement is patterned (for example because thin wires are used), the transparency is preferably greater than 80%, more preferably 90%, but most preferably greater than 99%.
  • the electrodes can be made of a transparent material such as ITO or they can be made of an opaque material such as copper but be sufficiently thin so that they are not visible in normal use. Examples of suitable materials are disclosed in US 5 218 351.
  • the invention provides an integrated system of an LED arrangement embedded in a light transmissive substrate and a solar cell for generating the power to operate the LED arrangement.
  • Figure 3 shows one example of light output device of the invention.
  • a substrate arrangement 10 comprises first and second transparent substrates and a transparent lamination layer between the substrates (as in Figure 2).
  • a plurality of light source devices 12 are integrated into the lamination layer.
  • the light source devices 12 comprise one or more LEDs 4 of the type shown in Figure 2.
  • light source arrangement is as shown in Figures 1 and 2.
  • the device has at least one at least partially transparent photovoltaic cell 13 also integrated into the lamination layer.
  • the transparent conductors shown in Figure 2 then provide connections between the light source devices 12 and the cell or cells 13.
  • a rechargeable battery arrangement 15 is charged by the at least one photovoltaic cell and is used for driving the light source devices 12.
  • the solar cell or cells are arranged to be at least semi-transparent. Suitable solar cells are available from the company XsunX, Inc. (Trade Mark). These use transparent conducting oxides as the connectors, and use amorphous silicon photosensitive cores. US 6 180 871 discloses a similar arrangement with annealed amorphous silicon (i.e. polysilicon) cores.
  • the device of the invention is manufactured by bonding LEDs and solar cells to one glass substrate 1 which has the patterned transparent conductor 3.
  • the second glass substrate 2 is laminated to the first, with the LEDs and solar cells embedded in the lamination layer 5.
  • the LEDs are arranged in parallel branches each having three LEDs connected in series.
  • the total voltage in this case is about 9 to 10 V plus a voltage drop across the conductive coating which could be a few Volts.
  • the power generated by the solar cells 13 is converted by a power converter 14 to convert the voltage to the voltage needed for charging the battery, and in turn for driving the LEDs (for example 12V).
  • an array of rechargeable batteries is provided, for example ten 1.2V nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries 15 in series.
  • a light sensor 16 connected to the power converter 14 controls whether the power converter feeds the batteries (during daylight) for battery charging, or whether the batteries power the LEDs (during darkness) for providing a light output.
  • the power converter 14, batteries 15 and external wiring (which are not integrated into the substrate arrangement) can be hidden in a customized frame around the glass plate.
  • the device of the invention can be used for many different applications, for example road signing, road lighting, roof lighting in buildings, garden lighting and advertisement billboards.
  • LED lighting is being used increasingly for road signing. Of course, these signs typically need external electricity to run the LEDs.
  • overhead cabling is used to route the electrical wires for external connections to the lighting system, the reliability of the system is influenced by adverse weather conditions. By providing solar cells and LEDs in one glass structure, the reliability is not dependent on weather conditions, and with no need for external power connections, the device can be positioned much more freely.
  • Another application of particular interest is building areas with glass ceilings e.g. atriums, hotel lobbies, walkways and shopping malls. Traditional means of lighting such areas involve either pole mounted or suspended downlighters.
  • the system of the invention provides more attractive functional lighting.
  • the system of the invention can be implemented as a thinner unit (including the backlight) than previous lighting systems, and this can provide a more attractive lighting solution, for example in urban regeneration projects.
  • the invention enables decorative ceiling effects to be added even when a glass ceiling is used (for example invoking a night sky).
  • a glass ceiling application no unsightly trunking or other cable conduits are required.
  • Other applications include emergency lighting systems, as the system can tolerate mains power failure.
  • the system can also be used for temporary lighting systems, for example portable lighting for fairs, exhibitions or markets.
  • the examples above have shown a small array of light sources. However, it will be understood that the invention is typically implemented as many LED devices, embedded in a large glass plate. A typical distance between the LEDs may be lcm to 10cm, for example approximately 3 cm.
  • Each light source may also comprise a single LED or multiple LEDs.
  • the examples above use glass substrates, but it will be apparent that plastic substrates may also be used.
  • the LED array and the required control circuit may be merged into one integrated device, or they may be connected with a low-resistance interconnect.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)
  • Arrangement Of Elements, Cooling, Sealing, Or The Like Of Lighting Devices (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
  • Electroluminescent Light Sources (AREA)

Abstract

A light output device comprises a substrate arrangement comprising first (1) and second (2) substantially transparent substrates and a substantially transparent lamination layer (5) between the substrates. One or more light source devices (4) are integrated into the lamination layer as well as at least one photovoltaic cell (13). Substantially transparent conductors (3) provide connections between the light source device or devices and the cell or cells, and a rechargeable battery arrangement (15) is charged by the at least one photovoltaic cell and for providing power to the light source device or devices.

Description

Light output device
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to light output devices, in particular using discrete light sources associated with a substantially transparent substrate structure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
One known example of this type of lighting device is a so-called "LED in glass" device. An example is shown in Figure 1. Typically a glass plate is used, with a transparent conductive coating (for example ITO) forming electrodes. The conductive coating is patterned in order to make the electrodes, that are connected to a semiconductor LED device. The assembly is completed by laminating the glass, with the LEDs inside a thermoplastic layer (for example polyvinyl butyral, PVB).
Figure 1 schematically shows two planar substrates, and represents the LEDs as point light sources within the substrate arrangement.
Applications of this type of device are shelves, showcases, facades, office partitions, wall cladding, and decorative lighting. The lighting device can be used for illumination of other objects, for display of an image, or simply for decorative purposes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention, there is provided a light output device comprising: - a substrate arrangement comprising first and second substantially transparent substrates and a substantially transparent lamination layer between the substrates; at least one light source device integrated into the lamination layer; at least one at least partially transparent photovoltaic cell integrated into the lamination layer; - a set of substantially transparent conductors providing connections to the light source device or devices and to the cell or cells; and a rechargeable battery arrangement for charging by the at least one photovoltaic cell and for providing power to the light source device or devices. This arrangement provides a lighting device, which can operate independently of any external power supply. By integrating one ore more light sources and photovoltaic power generation into the structure of the substrate, a robust product is provided which requires no maintenance (other than possible battery replacement). All components can be integrated into a package, with most components forming part of the substrate arrangement. The product as a whole thus can have no external connections. This makes it possible to protect the internal components from water, dirt, dust etc. Maintenance of the system can simply comprise cleaning the outside to ensure there is optimal sunlight input and light output. Self-cleaning glass is also known, and can be used to reduce the maintenance further. Preferably, the device has a plurality of light source devices, and these can be arranged as an array of point light sources in the substrate arrangement. They are then all powered by the rechargeable battery arrangement, and connected to the set of substantially transparent conductors.
The device can be almost fully transparent to the visible light spectrum, and this makes it particularly attractive for use in glass ceiling applications, providing a transparent product by day to give natural daylight, and providing lighting by night.
The device preferably further comprises a power converter for converting between the cell voltage and a required voltage for charging the battery and in turn driving the light source devices. A light sensor can be used in combination with a controller for controlling the light source devices based on the light sensor signal.
Each light source device can comprise an LED device or a group of LED devices, for example inorganic LEDs, organic LEDs, polymer LEDs or laser diodes.
The lamination layer may comprise a thermoplastic or resin layer. The invention also provides a lighting system comprising a plurality of light output devices of the invention arranged in an array. The lighting system can comprise a portion of a ceiling of a building.
It is noted that the invention relates to all possible combinations of features recited in the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Examples of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 schematically shows a known LED in glass illumination device; Figure 2 shows a single LED of the device of Figure 1 in more detail; Figure 3 shows a system of the invention.
The same reference numbers are used to denote similar parts in the different figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The structure of an LED in glass illumination device is shown in Figure 2. The lighting device comprises glass plates 1 and 2. Between the glass plates are (semi-) transparent electrodes 3a and 3b (for example formed using ITO), and a LED 4 connected to the transparent electrodes 3a and 3b. A layer of thermoplastic material 5 is provided between glass plates 1 and 2 (for example PVB or UV resin).
The glass plates typically may have a thickness of 1.1mm - 2.1 mm. The spacing between the electrodes connecting to the LED is typically 0.01 - 3 mm, for example around 0.15 mm. The thermoplastic layer has a typical thickness of 0.3mm- 2mm, and the electrical resistance of the electrodes is in the range 2 - 80 Ohm, or 10-30 Ohms/square.
The electrodes are preferably substantially transparent, so that they are imperceptible to a viewer in normal use of the device. If the conductor arrangement does not introduce a variation in light transmission (for example because it is not patterned, or because the pattern cannot be seen), a transparency of greater than or equal to 50% may be sufficient for the system to be transparent. More preferably, the transparency is greater than 70%, more preferably 90%, and even more preferably 99%. If the conductor arrangement is patterned (for example because thin wires are used), the transparency is preferably greater than 80%, more preferably 90%, but most preferably greater than 99%.
The electrodes can be made of a transparent material such as ITO or they can be made of an opaque material such as copper but be sufficiently thin so that they are not visible in normal use. Examples of suitable materials are disclosed in US 5 218 351. The invention provides an integrated system of an LED arrangement embedded in a light transmissive substrate and a solar cell for generating the power to operate the LED arrangement. Figure 3 shows one example of light output device of the invention.
A substrate arrangement 10 comprises first and second transparent substrates and a transparent lamination layer between the substrates (as in Figure 2). A plurality of light source devices 12 are integrated into the lamination layer. The light source devices 12 comprise one or more LEDs 4 of the type shown in Figure 2. Thus, light source arrangement is as shown in Figures 1 and 2.
In accordance with the invention, the device has at least one at least partially transparent photovoltaic cell 13 also integrated into the lamination layer. The transparent conductors shown in Figure 2 then provide connections between the light source devices 12 and the cell or cells 13.
A rechargeable battery arrangement 15 is charged by the at least one photovoltaic cell and is used for driving the light source devices 12.
The solar cell or cells are arranged to be at least semi-transparent. Suitable solar cells are available from the company XsunX, Inc. (Trade Mark). These use transparent conducting oxides as the connectors, and use amorphous silicon photosensitive cores. US 6 180 871 discloses a similar arrangement with annealed amorphous silicon (i.e. polysilicon) cores.
There has been much research into solar cells which have good transparency to the visible spectrum. Another example is designed to transmit visible light while converting ultraviolet radiation into electricity. Another example of transparent solar cell has been proposed by Toshiba, which relies on titanium dioxide nanocrystals coated with a dye. When struck by light, the dye "injects" energized electrons into the semiconducting titanium, which generates electrical power. This is a variation of the known Graetzel cell. Graetzel cells have improved transparency over conventional silicon solar panels. Earlier Graetzel designs, however, mostly relied on a liquid electrolyte to replenish the dye with electrons. The design proposed by Toshiba encapsulates liquid electrolyte in a durable solid - a "cross- linked" gel that can withstand temperatures of up to 120 C.
These examples simply demonstrate that there are many different solar cells that can be incorporated into the device of the invention, and these can have different levels of transparency in the visible light spectrum. The solar cells to be used will be selected in dependence on the efficiency in converting the incident light to electricity as well as the desired level of transparency.
The device of the invention is manufactured by bonding LEDs and solar cells to one glass substrate 1 which has the patterned transparent conductor 3. The second glass substrate 2 is laminated to the first, with the LEDs and solar cells embedded in the lamination layer 5.
In the example shown, the LEDs are arranged in parallel branches each having three LEDs connected in series. The total voltage in this case is about 9 to 10 V plus a voltage drop across the conductive coating which could be a few Volts. The power generated by the solar cells 13 is converted by a power converter 14 to convert the voltage to the voltage needed for charging the battery, and in turn for driving the LEDs (for example 12V).
In the example shown, an array of rechargeable batteries is provided, for example ten 1.2V nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries 15 in series. A light sensor 16 connected to the power converter 14 controls whether the power converter feeds the batteries (during daylight) for battery charging, or whether the batteries power the LEDs (during darkness) for providing a light output. The power converter 14, batteries 15 and external wiring (which are not integrated into the substrate arrangement) can be hidden in a customized frame around the glass plate.
The device of the invention can be used for many different applications, for example road signing, road lighting, roof lighting in buildings, garden lighting and advertisement billboards.
There are particular issues with road signing. LED lighting is being used increasingly for road signing. Of course, these signs typically need external electricity to run the LEDs. When overhead cabling is used to route the electrical wires for external connections to the lighting system, the reliability of the system is influenced by adverse weather conditions. By providing solar cells and LEDs in one glass structure, the reliability is not dependent on weather conditions, and with no need for external power connections, the device can be positioned much more freely.
Another application of particular interest is building areas with glass ceilings e.g. atriums, hotel lobbies, walkways and shopping malls. Traditional means of lighting such areas involve either pole mounted or suspended downlighters. The system of the invention provides more attractive functional lighting. The system of the invention can be implemented as a thinner unit (including the backlight) than previous lighting systems, and this can provide a more attractive lighting solution, for example in urban regeneration projects.
The invention enables decorative ceiling effects to be added even when a glass ceiling is used (for example invoking a night sky). In a glass ceiling application, no unsightly trunking or other cable conduits are required. Other applications include emergency lighting systems, as the system can tolerate mains power failure. The system can also be used for temporary lighting systems, for example portable lighting for fairs, exhibitions or markets.
The examples above have shown a small array of light sources. However, it will be understood that the invention is typically implemented as many LED devices, embedded in a large glass plate. A typical distance between the LEDs may be lcm to 10cm, for example approximately 3 cm.
Each light source may also comprise a single LED or multiple LEDs. The examples above use glass substrates, but it will be apparent that plastic substrates may also be used.
The LED array and the required control circuit may be merged into one integrated device, or they may be connected with a low-resistance interconnect.
In the description and claims, various components have been described as substantially transparent. This is intended to mean that at least 50% of the energy of the visible light spectrum is transmitted, and more preferably at least 75% or 85%. The term transparent is intended to mean "light transmitting", and the transparent components may be translucent (i.e with some image distortion).
Various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS:
1. A light output device comprising: a substrate arrangement comprising first (1) and second (2) substantially transparent substrates and a substantially transparent lamination layer (5) between the substrates: - at least one light source device (4) integrated into the lamination layer; at least one at least partially transparent photovoltaic cell (13) integrated into the lamination layer (5); a set of substantially transparent conductors (3) providing connections to the light source device or devices (4) and to the cell or cells (13); and - a rechargeable battery arrangement (15) for charging by the at least one photovoltaic cell and for providing power to the light source device or devices.
2. A device as claimed in claim 1, comprising a plurality of light source devices (4).
3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a power converter (14) for converting between the cell voltage and a required battery charge voltage.
4. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a light sensor (16) and a control means for controlling the light source devices (4) based on the light sensor signal.
5. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each light source device (4) comprises an LED device or a group of LED devices.
6. A device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the or each light source device (4) comprises an inorganic LED, an organic LED, a polymer LED or a laser diode.
7. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the lamination layer (5) comprises a thermoplastic or resin layer.
8. A lighting system comprising a plurality of light output devices, each as claimed in any preceding claim, arranged in an array.
9. A lighting system as claimed in claim 8, comprising a portion of a ceiling of a building.
PCT/IB2008/053024 2007-08-02 2008-07-28 Light output device WO2009016581A2 (en)

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EP07113678 2007-08-02
EP07113678.2 2007-08-02

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EP2362421A1 (en) * 2010-02-26 2011-08-31 STMicroelectronics S.r.l. Tailorable flexible sheet of monolithically fabricated array of separable cells each comprising a wholly organic, integrated circuit adapted to perform a specific function
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FR3015771A1 (en) * 2013-12-24 2015-06-26 Sunna Design AUTONOMOUS ELECTRIC MODULE COMPRISING PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS AND AN ENERGY STORAGE SOURCE FEEDING AN INTEGRATED LOAD
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