Abstract:
A photovoltaic power generator system and method for capturing and transmitting electromagnetic radiation utilizing an infrared filter in optical communication with a photovoltaic cell.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This Application is a Continuation-In-Part Patent Application of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/969,430 filed Aug. 16, 2013 entitled “CONCENTRATOR-DRIVEN, PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER GENERATOR”, Attorney Docket No. JAD-101, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and claims any and all benefits to which it is entitled therefrom. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a novel and useful solar energy collector system, more particularly a photovoltaic cell for conversion of solar electromagnetic energy to electrical energy. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Solar energy has served as a means for generating electricity and heat at an accelerated pace. Although solar energy comprises a very abundant source, conversion to useable forms of energy is expensive. Solar energy emitted from the Earh&#39;s sun comprises many types of radiation, including but not limited to ultraviotet, visible and infrared. 
         [0004]    A typical photovoltaic cell consists of a layer of N-type material, i.e., material in which there exists valence excess number of electrons, in intimate contact with a layer of P-type materials, i.e., materials in which there exist a deficiency in the number of valence electrons. A metallic or other conductive material is used as a backing to the layered pair of materials. Thus, as excitation photons impinge upon the N-type layer of material having an excess of electrons, an electrical potential is created between the metallic backing and the top surface of the layer of N-type material 
         [0005]    In the past, many systems have been devised to capture solar radiation. For example, solar panels have been employed in fixed arrays to directly convert solar radiation to electricity. In addition, circulation membranes have been employed to heat water for use within buildings and for use in swimming pools and spas. Other systems employ concave reflectors that concentrate solar radiation substantially at a point, where it is then employed to heat materials or is transferred as light to secondary conversion apparatuses. 
         [0006]    For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,841,946 and 5,540,216 show concave solar power collectors which track movement of the sun and convert the solar radiation into heat. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,877,874 shows a holographic planar concentrator which collects optical radiation from the sun for conversion through photovoltaic cells into electrical energy. Also, fiber optic light guides transfer collected light to an interior of a building for illumination or for the purpose of producing hot water. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,581,447 shows a solar skylight apparatus in which light is collected from the sun and transmitted to the inside of a building through a fiber optic cable. The light is then dispersed within a room to provide illumination. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,943,125 and 5,575,860 show solar collectors that employ fiber optic fibers for use as energy sources. 
         [0010]    A solar collection device which is efficient, powerful, and simple in construction would be a notable advance in the field of solar energy production. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,831,221 and 7,718,887 are both directed to conversion of heat energy to electrical energy, however the present invention is directed to conversion of solar radiation, from which infrared components have been removed, to electrical energy. 
         [0012]    Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. 7,973,236 teaches a combination of ultra-violet/infrared filter in conjunction with an electro-optic shutter, but not a photovoltaic cell. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0013]    The present invention is a novel and useful collection device for capturing and transmitting electromagnetic radiation received from the sun. The present invention incorporates an infrared (IR) filter and photovoltaic cell. A beam of incoming solar radiation passes through an infrared filter, which screens out the infrared portion of the solar spectrum, thus preventing heat damage and resulting loss of efficiency of the photovoltaic cell. The photon rich visible light portion of the spectrum then strikes and activates the photovoltaic cell, thus generating a flow of electrical energy. 
         [0014]    The device of the present invention can optionally be mounted on an existing-type tracking system which is also known in the art; or a novel, custom tracking system, to keep the photovoltaic cell in direct alignment with the sun from dawn to dusk, as the sun moves across the sky, thereby maximizing power output. 
         [0015]    In order to eliminate heat from infrared radiation, an infrared (IR) filter is placed adjacent the photovoltaic cell. Infrared (IR) energy is invisible radiant energy, i.e., electromagnetic radiation with longer wavelengths than those of visible light. IR extends from the nominal red edge of the visible spectrum at 700 nanometers to the far IR at about 1 mm. 
         [0016]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a photovoltaic power generator system and method for capturing and transmitting electromagnetic radiation utilizing an infrared filter in optical communication with a photovoltaic cell. 
         [0017]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a collection device for capturing and converting visible-wavelength, electromagnetic radiation radiating from the sun into electrical energy that is simple to manufacture and to operate. 
         [0018]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for capturing and converting electromagnetic radiation from the sun into electrical energy in an efficient manner. 
         [0019]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a collection device for capturing and converting electromagnetic radiation that is suitable for congested or urban areas. 
         [0020]    A further object of the present invention is to avoid overheating or otherwise damaging the photovoltaic cell during transmission of focused electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy by using an infrared (IR) filter. 
         [0021]    The invention possesses other objects and advantages especially as concerns particular characteristics and features thereof which will become apparent as the specification continues. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is a representative top view of an infrared filter  102  of the present invention adjacent a photovoltaic cell  104  of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is a representative section view of a power generating unit  200  of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a schematic view representing transduction of solar energy into electricity. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a representative top view of an array  400  of power generating units  200  of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is a representative isometric view of an automated solar tracking device  500  for an array  400  of power generating units  200  of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0027]    For a better understanding of the invention reference is made to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof which should be taken in conjunction with the prior described drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0028]    The description that follows is presented to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the present invention, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principals discussed below may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments disclosed, but the invention is to be given the largest possible scope which is consistent with the principals and features described herein. 
         [0029]    Various aspects of the present invention will evolve from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof which should be taken in conjunction with the hereinabove delineated drawings. 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  is a representative top view of an infrared filter  102  of the present invention adjacent a photovoltaic cell  104  of the present invention. As shown, the infrared filter  102  and photovoltaic cell  104  are both roughly the same size and shape. It will be understood that various sizes and shapes of infrared filter  102  and photovoltaic cell  104  are available commercially as well as in custom built devices. In addition, selection of infrared filter  102  and photovoltaic cell  104  can be based on power output, conversion efficiency, durability and estimated lifespan, and other operating parameters including cut-off ranges, such that sustainable, optimum power generation is achieved. 
         [0031]      FIG. 2  is a representative section view of a power generating unit  200  of the present invention. Since it is possible that a portion of the flow of solar energy  100  will contain energy in the infrared wavelength-range, the photovoltaic cell  104  could develop overheating problems. Thus, direct, and unfiltered solar energy  100  enters infrared filter device  102 . 
         [0032]    Infrared filter device  102  is an infrared cut-off filter, sometimes called an IR filter or heat-absorbing filter. In one embodiment, infrared filter device  102  is movably positioned. The purpose of infrared filter device  102  is to block infrared wavelength-radiation in the flow of solar energy  100  while passing a flow of filtered solar energy  210  to prevent overheating when it enters photovoltaic cell  104 . In alternative embodiments, other types of filters such as UV filter or other wavelength-specific filters can be added or replaced as needed. 
         [0033]    Filtered solar energy  210  leaves infrared filter device  102  and enters photovoltaic cell  104 . Photovoltaic cell  104  is a device that converts the photonic energy of incoming filtered visible wavelength, solar energy  210  directly into electricity by the photovoltaic effect. In one embodiment, photovoltaic cell  104  has various electrical characteristics e.g. current, voltage, or resistance to suit specific needs of the present invention. Generally, when photovoltaic cell  104  is exposed to filtered solar energy  210 , the photovoltaic cell  104  generates an electric current without the need for any external power source. 
         [0034]      FIG. 3  is a schematic view representing transduction of solar energy into electricity. Photovoltaic cell  104  converts energy from filtered solar energy  210  into electrical energy denoted by electrical potential  402 . Electrical potential  402  can be coupled to a capacitor or used to recharge batteries for storage of the electrical energy generated, as desired. Alternatively, the energy potential  402  can be used to power electrical devices directly. Users can also connect energy potential  402  to a more elaborate electrical circuit with other electrical components such as transducers, transformers, etc. for other purposes, or provide electrical power to the grid, i.e., puts power back into a private or general municipal electrical power system. 
         [0035]      FIG. 4  is a representative view of an array  400  of power generating units  200  of the present invention. As shown, dozens of individual power generating units  200 , each containing a photovoltaic cell  104 , can be placed into a suitable armature or framework  410 . An electrical connection network interconnects each of the power generating units with a wiring harness or coupling  420  for utilization of the electrical energy  402  generated by the power generating units  200  of the present invention. 
         [0036]      FIG. 5  is a representative isometric view of an automated solar tracking device  500  for an array  400  of power generating units  200  of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 5 , array  400  is supported and elevated by mobile tracking device  500 . In one embodiment, mobile tracking device  500  may be of a conventional configuration to provide a sturdy and stable base for array  400  in an outdoor environment. Array  400  is anchored, fixed, and pivots mechanically, flexibly and adjustably on mobile tracking device  500 . Mechanical coupling  510  such as a hinge, ball-and-socket joint, universal joint, etc., permits array  400  to rotate and move to whatever orientation is most advantageous for solar collection, i.e., perpendicular to the rays of the sun. This allows a controllable range of two-dimensional motion such that the array  400  is capable of tracking the sun as it travels across the sky on a daily orbital basis. 
         [0037]    Tracking device  500  can be manually operated or controlled with an electrical/electronic motor. Support stand  520  can be mobile with wheels or other means such as wheels-and-track system  530  so the entire power generator  500  can be moved or relocated to locations that are most receptive to strong sun exposure. Since such two-axis tracking system supports are known in the art, mobile stand  520  is only partially shown in the drawings. In one embodiment, physical locations of the present invention  500  in the wheels-and-track system  530  and tilting angles of array  400  can be pre-programmed according to locations of the sun during the day/year utilizing a solar sensor  540  and associated electronics for controlling the mechanical coupling  510 . 
         [0038]    In one embodiment, photovoltaic cell  104  is movable and can be fixed relative the filter  102 . Photovoltaic cell  104  is also connected to an electric circuit so the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic cell  104  can be transmitted to remote locations. In one embodiment, the electric circuit can be installed in the structural frame of the array  400  or in the support base  520  of the mechanical tracking device  500  or other configuration. 
         [0039]    While in the foregoing, embodiments of the present invention have been set forth in considerable detail for the purposes of making a complete disclosure of the invention, it may be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may be made in such detail without departing from the spirit and principles of the invention. 
         [0040]    Although the invention herein is to be understood as described, these descriptions are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. Therefore, it is understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other modifications maybe devised without departing from the scope and functions of the inventions as defined by the claims to be followed. 
         [0041]    Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described. All publications and patent documents referenced in the present invention are incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0042]    While the principles of the invention have been made clear in illustrative embodiments, there will be immediately obvious to those skilled in the art many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, the elements, materials, and components used in the practice of the invention, and otherwise, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from those principles. The appended claims are intended to cover and embrace any and all such modifications, with the limits only of the true purview, spirit and scope of the invention.