DE102008036804A1 - Method for garbling solar module, involves arranging solar module behind cover, where cover is partially transparent for light in wavelength area - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves arranging a solar module (10) behind a cover (50). The cover is partially transparent for light in the wavelength area. The solar module is sensitive for the wavelength area. The cover is formed such that the solar module is invisible for a viewer. An independent claim is included for a solar module with a cover.

Description

The The invention relates to a solar module with a cover to the unrecognizable make the solar module as well as a method of defacing one Solar module with the aim that the solar panel for a Viewers from the outside not or only with difficulty as such is recognizable.

In a variety of technical applications become energy supply of an electrical consumer or in support the energy supply solar cells used.

typical Applications are, for example, self-powered wireless sensors, either the energy needed to operate the sensor from internal energy storage such as batteries or accumulators or from the Refer to the environment of the wireless sensor. The use of batteries However, has the disadvantage that the wireless sensor due limited capacity of the battery regularly must be serviced. Obtaining the energy from the environment of the Wireless sensors can be done, for example, with the help of solar cells, which the Light energy in the vicinity of the radio sensor in the to operate convert required electrical energy.

One concrete application example of such a wireless sensor from a variety of possibilities is the operator terminal an air conditioner that simultaneously adjusts the temperature and for measuring the temperature, the humidity and possibly further Parameter is used. The operator terminal in this case includes a Wireless sensor that measures the mentioned parameters and by radio transmitted to a control or regulation of the air conditioning, d. H. there are no cable connections for data transmission available. This brings with it the condition that also to the energy supply the wireless sensor no cable connection is necessary, the advantage with it, that the radio sensor can be arbitrarily positioned. For energy supply of the radio sensor can therefore be a solar cell be used.

As a rule, the typical external appearance of the solar cell is acceptable. However, it may be necessary that the solar cell is not recognizable as such. For example. The typical appearance of the solar cell or the surface of the solar cell can not match the design of the system or the environment of the mounting location of the solar cell. This is particularly relevant if the design of the system or in the specific case the appearance of the wireless sensor plays an essential role or if the solar cell should be placed in an environment where it could interfere with the overall impression of a viewer. In the above example of the air conditioning is to strive that the viewer ideally only the control terminal and possibly the air inlets and outlets of the air conditioning perceives while the solar cell is not noticeable. Even in modern mobile phones, such as in DE 20 2006 012 403 U1 described for charging the battery an integrated solar cell are used. Especially in this market segment, the design plays a major role, which is why it is of interest to attach the solar cell inconspicuous as possible on the mobile phone. The same applies to other mobile devices such as notebooks, in which a photovoltaic power supply or at least support by solar energy is conceivable.

One another reason for the solar cell from the outside should not be recognizable as such, represents the risk of Manipulation or sabotage dar. For example, the above described Operating terminals of an air conditioner and with them the solar cell in a public Room installed, so it can not be ruled out that the Solar cell willfully or accidentally destroyed, damaged or put out of operation, for example by sticking over the sensitive surface with stickers or otherwise Smearing the surface.

This has at least an increased maintenance effort, in extreme cases, the solar cell must be replaced.

simultaneously It is desirable to ensure that the solar cell is as large as possible Has area to the largest possible To generate energy. The bigger the area the solar cell is, the more likely it is that the Solar cell disturbing in the field of view of the viewer noticeable.

It is therefore the object of the present invention, a method to make unrecognizable a solar module and not as such indicate identifiable solar module.

These The object is achieved by that in the independent claims solved inventions. Advantageous embodiments result from the dependent claims.

at the solution according to the invention becomes a Solar cell or a solar module with covers in different Embodiments provide, on the one hand cause of outside it is not recognizable that it is a solar module while on the other hand, the solar panel still plenty Receives light energy to supply an electrical consumer.

A solar module can consist of several solar cells or even only a single solar cell. In the event that the solar module consists of a plurality of solar cells, these are suitably electrically connected to each other, while the solar module is connected via an electrical connection to the electrical load. For the operation of the present invention, however, the structure of the solar module of one or more solar cells does not matter, so in the following uniform and generalized spoken only from the solar module and thus left open whether this is composed of several individual solar cells.

According to the invention the solar module in a first embodiment behind a Cover arranged, at least for light in that wavelength range, for which the solar module is sensitive, at least partially transparent is. The cover is designed such that the solar module for a viewer is not recognizable as such. For this The cover can be made as a grid structure, foil, sheet or plate be educated. Alternatively, the cover may be one with a material in particular with a liquid, a granulate or a powder, filled chamber or a display device like eg an LC display. The cover will be immediately adjacent to a surface layer of the solar module or in a Distance from the surface layer of the solar module arranged. The cover advantageously causes the typical surface structure of the solar module is hidden to the viewer, so that the solar module is no longer recognizable as such.

In In another embodiment, the surface layer becomes of the solar module with depressions and / or elevations and / or a Imprint provided. This also causes the surface layer for the viewer assumes a different form of appearance, so that the solar module is no longer recognizable as such.

The Wells and / or surveys can be beneficial in one Design filled or coated with a filler become. This measure adds to the effect the wells and / or surveys. The filler is at least for light in that wavelength range, for which the solar module is sensitive, at least partially transparent. The latter also applies in the event that the imprint on the surface layer of the solar module is applied.

The Recessions and / or surveys will be in random or in a regular arrangement on the surface layer distributed. With regular arrangement is the Distribution chosen so that a particular pattern, in particular a figure, an ornament, a label or a Logo, is generated.

In In another embodiment, the solar module itself shaped so that the solar module for the viewer no longer recognizable as such. Usually wise Solar modules have a rectangular shape. Advantageously, the solar module According to the invention shaped such that it is a random and / or irregular shape or the shape of a Figurine, an ornament, a pattern or a sign, in particular a lettering, has.

In In another embodiment, the solar module is in one Room is arranged, whose walls for light in the wavelength range for which the solar module is sensitive, are opaque. Light from the environment of the room is about Optical fiber in the room and there passed to the sensor module. The solar module is thus not visible from the outside.

Further Advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent the embodiment described below as well based on the drawings.

there shows:

1 a housing of an electrical consumer with a solar module behind a cover,

2 a top view of a solar module with recesses in the surface layer,

3 a punched out solar module,

4 an LC display with solar module,

5 a solar module with optical fibers and

6 a solar module with an optical prism.

In a first embodiment, in the 1A is shown is a solar module 10 via an electrical connection 20 with an electrical consumer 30 in a housing 40 connected.

The solar module 10 includes a surface layer according to the type of commercial solar cell 11 , eg a glass substrate 11 , and a photosensitive layer 12 in which an electric voltage is generated by incident light, wherein at least part of the light energy is converted into electrical energy. The solar module 10 or the photosensitive layer 12 is usually sensitive in a certain wavelength range, ie the photosensitive layer 12 generated in this Wavelength range with comparatively high efficiency electrical voltage, while light with other wavelengths is not or only with lower efficiency converted into electrical energy. This generated electrical voltage can be tapped at not shown contacts and via the electrical connection 20 the electrical consumer 30 be supplied.

The solar module 10 is behind a thin cover 50 which is at least partially transparent to the wavelength range of the incident light for which the solar module is sensitive. The cover 50 may be, for example, a grid structure, a foil, a sheet or other plate. Under a lattice structure in the context of the invention are materials such as. Fabrics, fabrics and textiles, etc. as well as metal or plastic mesh o. Ä. To understand that prevent the solar module 10 can be recognized as such. In the simplest case, this is, for example, a fly net, which typically has a grid width of 1.5 mm and a thickness of 0.3 mm. To achieve that cover 50 is not recognized as such, it may additionally be colored according to the environment, printed or otherwise structured.

Alternatively, the cover 50 also be a shallow chamber, which is filled with a material, for example. With a liquid, granules or powder, wherein the filled chamber for light in the wavelength range to at least partially transparent, for the solar module 10 is sensitive.

The cover 50 is at a distance from the surface layer 11 of the solar module. This is the cover 50 like in the 1 presented in a frame 60 clamped over the bridges 70 with the housing 40 is connected, on which the solar module 10 is attached. The distance between cover 50 and the surface layer 11 causes the solar panel 10 not damaged when the cover 50 is deformed by external action.

Alternatively, cover 50 directly on the surface layer 11 of the solar module 10 be upset. This has the advantage that the entire system consisting of the solar module 10 , the cover 50 and the housing 40 can be performed in a relatively small size. It is possible the cover 50 by means of a transparent adhesive on the surface layer 11 to stick or clamp the cover by means of mechanical means, for example. In a frame of the solar module (not shown).

As another, in the 1B illustrated refinement of the first embodiment, the solar module 10 inside the case 40 be housed. For this it is necessary that the housing 40 at least partially transparent to light in the wavelength range for which the solar module 10 is sensitive. For example. can in one of the walls 41 of the housing 40 one of the covers described above 50 be integrated or at least one of the walls 41 itself or a part thereof is designed accordingly, ie as a grid structure, as a foil, as a sheet, as a filled chamber or as another plate that meets the requirements described above.

The 2 shows a second embodiment. Shown is a section of a solar module 10 in plan view, wherein the representation of a housing and an electrical consumer, etc. has been omitted. Into the surface layer 11 of the solar module 10 are depressions 13 brought in. This will change the appearance of the solar module 10 changed so that the solar module 10 due to the changed reflection of the on the surface layer 11 incident light is no longer recognizable as such. In particular, the typical, well-known appearance of the surface layer is 11 a solar cell is no longer recognizable. Additionally, some or all of the pits may be 13 with fillers 14 such as, for example, be filled with special color pigments to further enhance the effect. It is important to ensure that the fillers 14 for the wavelength range for which the solar module 10 is sensitive, at least partially transparent.

The wells 13 can as in the 2 in a regular arrangement in the surface layer 11 of the solar module 10 be introduced. Alternatively, the wells can 13 with or without filler 14 in a random arrangement or an irregular grid on the surface layer 11 be introduced distributed. Likewise, by the arrangement of the wells 13 generates a specific pattern and thereby a design are implemented, what the effect of the wells 13 with a view to obliterating the solar module 10 due to the resulting impression in the viewer advantageously additionally supported. For example. can with the help of the wells 13 Lines, figures, patterns, ornaments, labels or company logos are reproduced.

Instead of the wells 13 can with similar effect also surveys if necessary 13 or raised points on the surface layer 11 be printed. These can also be filled with a filler 14 be coated.

Depending on the desired effect, the depressions and elevations can be coarse or else very fine, for example microstructured, ie the size or the diameter can be of the order of one to several millimeters or even in the micrometer range. The form of the surveys and surveys is in the 2 shown in a circle. Other, possibly irregular shapes are of course also feasible.

The 3 shows a third embodiment of the invention, in which not the typical appearance of the surface of a solar cell is hidden or disguised, but in which the solar cell or the solar module itself is shaped so that it is no longer reminiscent of a solar cell due to the shape. Shown again is a solar module 10 which originally had a rectangular shape, as indicated by the dashed lines, but parts of it 15 are separated out. In order to achieve this, it is conceivable, for example, to punch out solar cells applied to film carriers in such a way that the desired shape results. Also conceivable here are shapes that represent figures, patterns, ornaments, inscriptions or company logos.

The separated parts 15 are then in the desired manner as, for example, already in the 1 indicated attached to a housing of an electrical consumer. The individual parts 15 are either connected in a suitable manner via electrical connections (not shown) with each other or each with the electrical load.

In the 4 a fourth embodiment of the invention is shown, in which a solar module 10 with a monochrome LC display 80 (Liquid Crystal or liquid crystal display) is coupled. Shown are a plan view and a side view. The LC display 80 can be, for example, the display of a control panel of an air conditioner on which the set operating parameters of the system and as well as various measured values such as temperature, humidity, etc. are displayed. Behind one to the characters shown on the LCD 82 largely transparent layer 81 of the LC display is the solar module 10 appropriate. The LC display 80 in this case advantageously simultaneously acts as an electrical consumer and as a cover, with which the solar module 10 to be disguised or unrecognizable.

A fifth embodiment of the invention is in 5 shown. Here is the solar module 10 in a housing 90 housed, which in particular for the wavelength range for which the solar module 10 is sensitive, is largely opaque. Light from the environment of the housing 90 is via fiber optic cable 100 in the case 90 and there to the sensor module 10 directed. The sensor module 10 is thus not visible from the outside, but still can the electrical energy for an electrical consumer 30 produce. The optical fibers 100 are via a coupler 110 directly to the solar module 10 coupled to ensure that a maximum proportion of the fiber optic cables 100 transported light in the solar module 10 can be converted into electrical energy and that the solar module 10 is evenly lit.

In one in the 6 illustrated sixth embodiment is in connection with the 1 described cover as a prism 120 educated. The solar module 10 that on the electrical consumer 30 is attached, is so behind the prism 120 arranged that on the prism 120 falling light to the solar module 10 is forwarded while the solar module 10 from the outside is not readily recognizable as such, since the prism 120 the solar module 10 covered. In this case, the solar module can be fastened on an outside of a housing, not shown, or the like.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 202006012403 U1 [0005]

Claims (20)

Method for defacing a solar module ( 10 ), in which the solar module ( 10 ) behind a cover ( 50 ) is arranged, wherein the cover ( 50 . 80 . 120 ) at least for light in that wavelength range for which the solar module ( 10 ) is sensitive, at least partially transparent, and wherein the cover ( 50 . 80 . 120 ) is designed such that the solar module ( 10 ) for a viewer is not recognizable as such. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover ( 50 . 80 . 120 ) - a lattice structure, a foil, a sheet or a plate or - a chamber ( 50 ), which is filled with a material, in particular with a liquid, a granulate or a powder, or - a display device ( 80 ), in particular an LC display ( 80 ), is, - a prism ( 120 ) is which light which is on the prism ( 120 ), to the solar module ( 10 ), the cover ( 50 . 80 . 120 ) immediately adjacent to a surface layer ( 11 ) of the solar module ( 10 ) or at a distance to the surface layer ( 11 ) of the solar module ( 10 ) is arranged. Process for defacing a solar module, in which a surface layer ( 11 ) of the solar module in such a way with depressions ( 13 ) and / or surveys ( 13 ) and / or an imprint that the solar module ( 10 ) is not recognizable as such to a viewer. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that at least some of the depressions ( 13 ) with a filler ( 14 ) or at least some of the surveys ( 13 ) with a filler ( 14 ), the filler ( 14 ) at least for light in that wavelength range for which the solar module ( 10 ) is sensitive, at least partially transparent. Method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the depressions ( 13 ) or surveys ( 13 ) in a regular or random arrangement in or on the surface layer ( 11 ). Method according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that by the arrangement of the recesses ( 13 ) or surveys ( 13 ) in or on the surface layer ( 11 ) a particular pattern, in particular a figure, an ornament, a label or a logo, is generated. A method according to claim 3, characterized in that the imprint at least for light in that wavelength range for which the solar module ( 10 ) is sensitive, at least partially transparent. Method for defacing a solar module ( 10 ), in which the solar module ( 10 ) is shaped such that the solar module ( 10 ) is not recognizable as such to a viewer. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the solar module ( 10 ) has a random and / or irregular shape or the shape of a figure, an ornament, a pattern or a sign, in particular a lettering. Method for defacing a solar module ( 10 ), in which the solar module ( 10 ) in a room, in particular in a housing ( 90 ), whose walls for light in that wavelength range for which the solar module ( 10 ) is sensitive, opaque, with light from the environment of the room ( 90 ) via optical fibers ( 100 ) in the room ( 90 ) and there to the sensor module ( 10 ). Solar module ( 10 ) with a cover ( 50 ) to make the solar module unrecognizable ( 10 ), wherein - the solar module ( 10 ) behind the cover ( 50 ), - the cover ( 50 . 80 ) at least for light in that wavelength range for which the solar module ( 10 ) is sensitive, at least partially transparent, and - the cover ( 50 . 80 ) is designed such that the solar module ( 10 ) for a viewer is not recognizable as such. Solar module according to claim 11, characterized in that the cover ( 50 . 80 ) - has a lattice structure, a foil, a sheet or a plate or - a chamber filled with a material, in particular with a liquid, a granulate or a powder ( 50 ) or - a display device ( 80 ), in particular an LC display ( 80 ), - a prism ( 120 ) is which light which is on the prism ( 120 ), to the solar module ( 10 ), the cover ( 50 . 80 ) immediately adjacent to a surface layer ( 11 ) of the solar module ( 10 ) or at a distance to the surface layer ( 11 ) of the solar module ( 10 ) is arranged. Solar module with a surface layer ( 11 ), characterized in that the surface layer ( 11 ) of the solar module ( 10 ) Wells ( 13 ) and / or surveys ( 13 ) and / or has a print. Solar module according to claim 13, characterized in that at least some of the well gene ( 13 ) with a filler ( 14 ) or at least some of the surveys ( 13 ) with a filler ( 14 ), wherein the filler ( 14 ) at least for light in that wavelength range for which the solar module ( 10 ) is sensitive, at least partially transparent. Solar module according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the depressions ( 13 ) or surveys ( 13 ) in a regular or random arrangement in or on the surface layer ( 11 ) are distributed. Solar module according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the arrangement of the recesses ( 13 ) or surveys ( 13 ) in or on the surface layer ( 11 ) or the imprint a particular pattern, in particular a figure, an ornament, a label or logo emulates. Solar module according to claim 13 or 16, characterized in that the imprint at least for light in that wavelength range for which the solar module ( 10 ) is sensitive, at least partially transparent. Solar module, characterized in that the solar module ( 10 ) is shaped such that the solar module ( 10 ) is not recognizable as such due to the shape of a viewer. Solar module according to claim 18, characterized in that the solar module ( 10 ) has a random and / or irregular shape or the shape of a figure, an ornament, a pattern or a sign, in particular a lettering. Solar module with a housing assigned to the solar module ( 90 ), wherein the solar module ( 10 ) in the housing ( 90 ) and the walls of the housing ( 90 ) for light in that wavelength range for which the solar module ( 10 ) is opaque, opaque, with optical fibers ( 100 ) are provided via the light from the environment of the room ( 90 ) in the room ( 90 ) and there to the sensor module ( 10 ) reach.