US20080169203A1 - Water integrated photovoltaic system - Google Patents

Water integrated photovoltaic system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20080169203A1
US20080169203A1 US11/746,697 US74669707A US2008169203A1 US 20080169203 A1 US20080169203 A1 US 20080169203A1 US 74669707 A US74669707 A US 74669707A US 2008169203 A1 US2008169203 A1 US 2008169203A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
water
wipv
processing unit
photovoltaic cells
plant
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/746,697
Inventor
Barak Yekutiely
David Yekutiely
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
AQUATE SOLAR Ltd
Original Assignee
AQUATE SOLAR Ltd
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 AQUATE SOLAR Ltd filed Critical AQUATE SOLAR Ltd
Priority to US11/746,697 priority Critical patent/US20080169203A1/en
Assigned to AQUATE SOLAR LIMITED reassignment AQUATE SOLAR LIMITED ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: YEKUTIELY, BARAK, YEKUTIELY, DAVID
Publication of US20080169203A1 publication Critical patent/US20080169203A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • 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
    • H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L31/00—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
    • H01L31/04—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof adapted as photovoltaic [PV] conversion devices
    • H01L31/052—Cooling means directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. integrated Peltier elements for active cooling or heat sinks directly associated with the PV cells
    • H01L31/0521—Cooling means directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. integrated Peltier elements for active cooling or heat sinks directly associated with the PV cells using a gaseous or a liquid coolant, e.g. air flow ventilation, water circulation
    • 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
    • H02S40/40—Thermal components
    • H02S40/44—Means to utilise heat energy, e.g. hybrid systems producing warm water and electricity at the same time
    • 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
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/60—Thermal-PV hybrids

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to photovoltaic cells (solar cells), and particularly to a photovoltaic covering for a body of water that solar generates electrical power for various applications.
  • PV Photovoltaic
  • Thick crystal products include solar cells made from crystalline silicon either as single or poly-crystalline wafers and deliver about 10-12 watts per ft 2 of PV array (under full sun).
  • Thin-film products typically incorporate very thin layers of photovoltaic active material placed on a glass superstrate or a metal substrate using vacuum-deposition manufacturing techniques similar to those employed in the coating of architectural glass.
  • commercial thin-film materials deliver about 4-5 watts per ft 2 of PV array area (under full sun).
  • thin-film technologies may achieve lower costs due to much lower requirements for active materials and energy in their production when compared to thick-crystal products.
  • a photovoltaic system is constructed by assembling a number of individual collectors called modules electrically and mechanically into an array.
  • BIPV Building Integrated Photovoltaics
  • a complete BIPV system may typically include:
  • the PV modules (which may be thin-film or crystalline, transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque);
  • a charge controller to regulate the power into and out of the battery storage bank (in stand-alone systems);
  • a power storage system generally including the utility grid in utility-interactive systems or a number of batteries in stand-alone systems;
  • power conversion equipment including an inverter to convert the PV modules' DC output to AC compatible with the utility grid;
  • backup power supplies such as diesel generators (optional, typically employed in stand-alone systems); and
  • the present invention seeks to provide a photovoltaic covering for a body of water that solar generates electrical power for various applications, as is described more in detail hereinbelow.
  • the present invention introduces the concept of WIPV (Water Integrated Photovoltaic) Technology/Systems.
  • WIPV technology/systems/installations have the following advantages:
  • WIPV floating solar cover made of prefabricated or field-installed geomembrane and solar cells and/or modular interconnected solar cells (flexible or other and modularly connected using interconnecting elements) that float or are buoyant and have direct contact with the water body.
  • Water bodies not only cool the solar cells, but also can be used for cleaning the solar cells from dust/dirt.
  • the WIPV cells can be used as a natural solar concentrator because they can be immersed or be buoyant at a water level for maximum solar radiation.
  • water can be sprayed on the panel creating millions of magnifying glasses that increase the solar radiation and concentrate the suns rays on the solar material.
  • WIPV can be adapted to function in other industries such as gas creation, land fills, etc.
  • the WIPV concept can be used in a great variety of applications, such as but not limited to, WIPV Power Plant, WIPV Water Plant, WIPV water channel, WIPV water pipe, WIPV reservoir, WIPV gas collection/power system, WIPV desalination plant, WIPV irrigation system, WIPV pumping system, WIPV water delivery system, WIPV open water desalination plant, WIPV water treatment plant, WIPV maritime energy system, WIPV maritime mobile water desalination system, WIPV maritime national border defense system, WIPV bridge, or WIPV water transportation system.
  • FIG. 1 is a simplified illustration of a water integrated photovoltaic system, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of the water integrated photovoltaic system of FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a water integrated photovoltaic (WIPV) system 10 , constructed and operative in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.
  • WIPV water integrated photovoltaic
  • the WIPV system 10 includes one or more solar cells 12 (referred to simply as solar cell 12 and alternatively referred to as photovoltaic cell 12 ) integrated with (e.g., disposed on) a geomembrane 14 .
  • Geomembrane 14 is a flexible floating cover material suitable for floating in or on water surfaces.
  • the solar cell geomembrane assembly 10 may float on a water surface (indicated by water level 4 in FIG. 1 ) or, in a preferred embodiment, floats partially submerged below the water surface (indicated by water level 6 shown in broken lines in FIG. 1 ).
  • the combination of solar cell 12 on geomembrane 14 may be used on an open water source such as an artificial lake with the solar material integrated in the lining.
  • a pump 17 may be provided that sprays water on the solar collecting surface of some or all of the photovoltaic cells. The water not only cools solar cell 12 , but also can be used for cleaning solar cell 12 from dust/dirt.
  • the solar cell 12 may be embedded, tied, bonded (with an adhesive), fastened with one or more mechanical fasteners 16 , joined or otherwise attached to the geomembrane 14 . Some or all of solar cells 12 may be flexibly mounted to one another. Solar cell 12 is sealed to geomembrane 14 with a seal 23 at edges of solar cell 12 .
  • some or all of the solar cells 12 may be pivotally mounted on pivots, and additionally or alternatively, mounted on bearings.
  • a system of one or more actuators and sensors may be used to tilt the pivotally mounted solar cells in accordance with the sun's tilt during the day.
  • Geomembrane 14 may include the Pondgard® EPDM Liner or the blended Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE) geomembrane, both commercially available from GSI, or any other suitable liner, membrane or other flexible substrate (all the terms being used interchangeably throughout).
  • MDPE Medium Density Polyethylene
  • Another suitable geomembrane flexible floating cover material is manufactured by Comanco Company, 4301 Sterling Commerce Drive, Plant City, Fla. 33566 (www.comanco.com).
  • Geomembrane 14 may be inflatable.
  • the solar cell 12 may include a roll-print solar cell.
  • NanoSolar of Palo Alto, Calif. www.nanosolar.com
  • NanoSolar has developed proprietary technology that makes it possible to simply roll-print solar cells that require only 1/100th as thick an absorber as a silicon-wafer cell (yet deliver similar performance and durability).
  • a description of the NanoSolar process is found in PCT published application WO2006033858, corresponding to US Patent Application 20040782545, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, which describes photovoltaic devices, and more specifically, processing and annealing of absorber layers for photovoltaic devices.
  • a typical Copper-Indium-Gallium-diSelenide (CIGS) solar cell structure includes a back electrode followed by a layer of molybdenum (Mo).
  • Mo molybdenum
  • a CIGS absorber layer is sandwiched between the Mo layer and a cadmium sulfide (CdS) junction partner layer.
  • CdS cadmium sulfide
  • a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) such as zinc oxide (ZnO x ) or tin oxide (SnO 2 ) formed on the CdS junction partner layer is typically used as a transparent electrode.
  • TCO transparent conductive oxide
  • ZnO x zinc oxide
  • SnO 2 tin oxide
  • US Patent Application 20040782545 describes fabrication of CIGS absorber layers on aluminum foil substrates.
  • a photovoltaic device includes an aluminum foil substrate, an optional base electrode and a nascent absorber including material containing elements of groups IB, IIIA, and (optionally) VIA.
  • advanced amorphous silicon photovoltaic modules e.g., multi-junction amorphous silicon modules.
  • UNI-SOLAR brand silicon modules based on triple junction solar cells perform excellently under western European climatic conditions, with yields and performance ratios significantly higher than present crystalline silicon technologies. This effect is especially pronounced under low light conditions and under non-ideal orientations.
  • the triple junction technology provides unprecedented levels of efficiency and stability for amorphous silicon solar cells (stabilized aperture area cell efficiency of 7.0-7.5%).
  • Each cell is composed of three semiconductor junctions stacked on top of each other. The bottom cell absorbs the red light, the middle cell the green/yellow light and the top cell absorbs the blue light.
  • This spectrum splitting capability is one of the keys to higher efficiencies and higher energy output, especially at lower irradiation levels and under diffuse light.
  • the cells are produced in a unique roll-to-roll vacuum deposition process on a continuous roll of stainless steel sheet, employing only a fraction of the materials and energy of the production of standard crystalline silicon solar cells. The result is a flexible, light weight solar cell.
  • the solar cells are encapsulated in UV-stabilized and weather-resistant polymers.
  • the polymer encapsulation includes EVA and fluoro-polymer TEFZEL (a DuPont film) on the front side.
  • EVA and fluoro-polymer TEFZEL (a DuPont film) on the front side.
  • TEFZEL a DuPont film
  • the resulting modules are exceptionally durable. By-pass diodes are connected across each cell, allowing the modules to produce power even when partially shaded.
  • the WIPV system 10 may provide many synergistic benefits, heretofore unattainable with prior art solar cells.
  • the combination of the solar cell 12 on the geomembrane 14 may be embodied as a new renewable energy generator that utilizes the existing area of a very large water reservoir 20 (or open sea) for numerous water related applications which are local to the water reservoir 20 .
  • solar cell 12 may be electrically connected to a processing unit 22 , also referred to as a water-related electrical device 22 or electrical device 22 .
  • a processing unit 22 also referred to as a water-related electrical device 22 or electrical device 22 .
  • water-related electrical device refers to an electrical device powered by the solar cell(s) 12 on the geomembrane 14 and which has a fluid connection 24 from the water for processing the water.
  • the processing unit 22 is thus energized by electricity generated by the photovoltaic cells, thereby creating a WIPV (Water Integrated Photovoltaic) system.
  • WIPV Water Integrated Photovoltaic
  • the processing unit 22 may include or be used to operate, without limitation, a water pump, a water desalination unit, a water booster, a water treatment device, water delivery and management apparatus, filtration system, etc., or any combination thereof.
  • the electrical device 22 may include a general purpose electrical energy device, such as but not limited to, a power grid for home, industrial, lighting, etc., or any combination thereof.
  • the processing unit 22 may include or be used to operate, without limitation, a WIPV Power Plant, WIPV Water Plant, WIPV water channel, WIPV water pipe, WIPV reservoir, WIPV desalination plant, WIPV irrigation system, WIPV pumping system, WIPV gas collection/power system, WIPV water delivery system, WIPV open water desalination plant, WIPV water treatment plant, WIPV maritime energy system, WIPV maritime mobile water desalination system, WIPV maritime national border defense system WIPV bridge, or WIPV water transportation system and any combination thereof.
  • a WIPV Power Plant WIPV Water Plant, WIPV water channel, WIPV water pipe, WIPV reservoir, WIPV desalination plant, WIPV irrigation system, WIPV pumping system, WIPV gas collection/power system, WIPV water delivery system, WIPV open water desalination plant, WIPV water treatment plant, WIPV maritime energy system, WIPV maritime mobile water desalination system, W
  • Another embodiment may include a low cost drinking water source.
  • a reservoir covered with solar membrane liners or covers could be used for various applications, such as but not limited to, pumping undrinkable water from the reservoir and recycling the water through filtration/desalination/disinfection back into the reservoir until the water is drinkable, and delivering the water to consumers using booster pumps.
  • the solar covers are in hydrogen creation in an electrolytic process.
  • the oxygen may be tapped out and the hydrogen may be collected (in a container or trapped above the water and underneath the cover, for example), ready for use.
  • this embodiment may be a WIPV power plant, which may be offshore (ocean type WIPV) or near a shore of a sea water reservoir.
  • a third of the area of the geomembrane together with the solar cells may produce energy to a power grid for a period of time during the day (e.g., 8 hour period).
  • the other two thirds of the area of the geomembrane together with the solar cells may produce hydrogen and store it for the night time.
  • the oxygen is fed to the atmosphere. When the sea water runs out it is replenished. During the night the stored hydrogen is used to run a generator that drives the grid. Thus, clean energy is generated on a 24 hour basis, which is equivalent to a 24 hour sun.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Condensed Matter Physics & Semiconductors (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Organic Low-Molecular-Weight Compounds And Preparation Thereof (AREA)
  • Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)
  • Low-Molecular Organic Synthesis Reactions Using Catalysts (AREA)

Abstract

A water integrated photovoltaic (WIPV) system including a plurality of interconnected photovoltaic cells covering at least a portion of a body of water, wherein at least some of the photovoltaic cells have a solar collecting surface covered by the water, and a processing unit electrically connected to and powered by the photovoltaic cells, the processing unit comprising a fluid connection from the body of water for processing the water.

Description

    FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention relates generally to photovoltaic cells (solar cells), and particularly to a photovoltaic covering for a body of water that solar generates electrical power for various applications.
    • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • Photovoltaic (PV) technology available on the market today basically includes two commercial module technologies:
  • 1. Thick crystal products include solar cells made from crystalline silicon either as single or poly-crystalline wafers and deliver about 10-12 watts per ft2 of PV array (under full sun).
  • 2. Thin-film products typically incorporate very thin layers of photovoltaic active material placed on a glass superstrate or a metal substrate using vacuum-deposition manufacturing techniques similar to those employed in the coating of architectural glass. Presently, commercial thin-film materials deliver about 4-5 watts per ft2 of PV array area (under full sun). Although the current technology provides less power for a given area than thick crystal products, thin-film technologies may achieve lower costs due to much lower requirements for active materials and energy in their production when compared to thick-crystal products.
  • A photovoltaic system is constructed by assembling a number of individual collectors called modules electrically and mechanically into an array.
  • Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) is the integration of photovoltaic cells into a building envelope. The PV modules serve the dual function of building skin—replacing conventional building envelope materials—and power generator. By avoiding the cost of conventional materials, the incremental cost of photovoltaics is reduced and its life-cycle cost is improved. That is, BIPV systems often have lower overall costs than PV systems requiring separate, dedicated, mounting systems.
  • A complete BIPV system may typically include:
  • a. the PV modules (which may be thin-film or crystalline, transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque);
  • b. a charge controller to regulate the power into and out of the battery storage bank (in stand-alone systems);
  • c. a power storage system, generally including the utility grid in utility-interactive systems or a number of batteries in stand-alone systems;
  • d. power conversion equipment including an inverter to convert the PV modules' DC output to AC compatible with the utility grid;
  • e. backup power supplies such as diesel generators (optional, typically employed in stand-alone systems); and
  • f. appropriate support and mounting hardware, wiring, and safety disconnects.
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention seeks to provide a photovoltaic covering for a body of water that solar generates electrical power for various applications, as is described more in detail hereinbelow.
  • The present invention introduces the concept of WIPV (Water Integrated Photovoltaic) Technology/Systems. WIPV technology/systems/installations have the following advantages:
  • 1. Protect precious clean water sources from evaporation by using a WIPV floating solar cover made of prefabricated or field-installed geomembrane and solar cells and/or modular interconnected solar cells (flexible or other and modularly connected using interconnecting elements) that float or are buoyant and have direct contact with the water body.
  • 2. Large scale efficient energy creation system/power plant using any type of water surface area as opposed to expensive land area.
  • 3. Large scale efficient water creation, water delivery, water rehabilitation, water treatment system without requiring any onsite energy.
  • 4. Substantial increase of solar energy compared to non-WIPV solar array installations due to constant water cooling of solar cells from water bodies.
  • 5. Very environmentally friendly green technology (blends in perfectly with the environment) unlike solar arrays and wind turbines that are visible and interfere with the environment
  • Other advantages of WIPV type installations/systems:
  • Water bodies not only cool the solar cells, but also can be used for cleaning the solar cells from dust/dirt. The WIPV cells can be used as a natural solar concentrator because they can be immersed or be buoyant at a water level for maximum solar radiation. Alternatively for a floating WIPV installation, water can be sprayed on the panel creating millions of magnifying glasses that increase the solar radiation and concentrate the suns rays on the solar material.
  • WIPV can be adapted to function in other industries such as gas creation, land fills, etc. The WIPV concept can be used in a great variety of applications, such as but not limited to, WIPV Power Plant, WIPV Water Plant, WIPV water channel, WIPV water pipe, WIPV reservoir, WIPV gas collection/power system, WIPV desalination plant, WIPV irrigation system, WIPV pumping system, WIPV water delivery system, WIPV open water desalination plant, WIPV water treatment plant, WIPV maritime energy system, WIPV maritime mobile water desalination system, WIPV maritime national border defense system, WIPV bridge, or WIPV water transportation system.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:
  • FIG. 1 is a simplified illustration of a water integrated photovoltaic system, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
  • FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of the water integrated photovoltaic system of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
    •  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
  • Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which illustrates a water integrated photovoltaic (WIPV) system 10, constructed and operative in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.
  • The WIPV system 10 includes one or more solar cells 12 (referred to simply as solar cell 12 and alternatively referred to as photovoltaic cell 12) integrated with (e.g., disposed on) a geomembrane 14. Geomembrane 14 is a flexible floating cover material suitable for floating in or on water surfaces. The solar cell geomembrane assembly 10 may float on a water surface (indicated by water level 4 in FIG. 1) or, in a preferred embodiment, floats partially submerged below the water surface (indicated by water level 6 shown in broken lines in FIG. 1). For example, the combination of solar cell 12 on geomembrane 14 may be used on an open water source such as an artificial lake with the solar material integrated in the lining. When partially submerged, the water actually functions as a magnifying glass to amplify the suns rays that impinge upon solar cell 12. Additionally or alternatively, a pump 17 may be provided that sprays water on the solar collecting surface of some or all of the photovoltaic cells. The water not only cools solar cell 12, but also can be used for cleaning solar cell 12 from dust/dirt.
  • The solar cell 12 may be embedded, tied, bonded (with an adhesive), fastened with one or more mechanical fasteners 16, joined or otherwise attached to the geomembrane 14. Some or all of solar cells 12 may be flexibly mounted to one another. Solar cell 12 is sealed to geomembrane 14 with a seal 23 at edges of solar cell 12.
  • In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, some or all of the solar cells 12 may be pivotally mounted on pivots, and additionally or alternatively, mounted on bearings. A system of one or more actuators and sensors may be used to tilt the pivotally mounted solar cells in accordance with the sun's tilt during the day.
  • Geomembrane 14 may include the Pondgard® EPDM Liner or the blended Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE) geomembrane, both commercially available from GSI, or any other suitable liner, membrane or other flexible substrate (all the terms being used interchangeably throughout). Another suitable geomembrane flexible floating cover material is manufactured by Comanco Company, 4301 Sterling Commerce Drive, Plant City, Fla. 33566 (www.comanco.com). Geomembrane 14 may be inflatable.
  • The solar cell 12 may include a roll-print solar cell. Technology exists for printing solar cells on rolls. For example, NanoSolar of Palo Alto, Calif. (www.nanosolar.com) has developed proprietary technology that makes it possible to simply roll-print solar cells that require only 1/100th as thick an absorber as a silicon-wafer cell (yet deliver similar performance and durability).
  • A description of the NanoSolar process is found in PCT published application WO2006033858, corresponding to US Patent Application 20040782545, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, which describes photovoltaic devices, and more specifically, processing and annealing of absorber layers for photovoltaic devices. A typical Copper-Indium-Gallium-diSelenide (CIGS) solar cell structure includes a back electrode followed by a layer of molybdenum (Mo). A CIGS absorber layer is sandwiched between the Mo layer and a cadmium sulfide (CdS) junction partner layer. A transparent conductive oxide (TCO) such as zinc oxide (ZnOx) or tin oxide (SnO2) formed on the CdS junction partner layer is typically used as a transparent electrode. US Patent Application 20040782545 describes fabrication of CIGS absorber layers on aluminum foil substrates. For example, a photovoltaic device includes an aluminum foil substrate, an optional base electrode and a nascent absorber including material containing elements of groups IB, IIIA, and (optionally) VIA.
  • Other non-limiting examples of photovoltaic cells that may be used to carry out the invention include, but are not limited to, advanced amorphous silicon photovoltaic modules, e.g., multi-junction amorphous silicon modules. For example, UNI-SOLAR brand silicon modules based on triple junction solar cells perform excellently under western European climatic conditions, with yields and performance ratios significantly higher than present crystalline silicon technologies. This effect is especially pronounced under low light conditions and under non-ideal orientations.
  • The triple junction technology provides unprecedented levels of efficiency and stability for amorphous silicon solar cells (stabilized aperture area cell efficiency of 7.0-7.5%). Each cell is composed of three semiconductor junctions stacked on top of each other. The bottom cell absorbs the red light, the middle cell the green/yellow light and the top cell absorbs the blue light. This spectrum splitting capability is one of the keys to higher efficiencies and higher energy output, especially at lower irradiation levels and under diffuse light. The cells are produced in a unique roll-to-roll vacuum deposition process on a continuous roll of stainless steel sheet, employing only a fraction of the materials and energy of the production of standard crystalline silicon solar cells. The result is a flexible, light weight solar cell. The solar cells are encapsulated in UV-stabilized and weather-resistant polymers. The polymer encapsulation includes EVA and fluoro-polymer TEFZEL (a DuPont film) on the front side. The resulting modules are exceptionally durable. By-pass diodes are connected across each cell, allowing the modules to produce power even when partially shaded.
  • The WIPV system 10 may provide many synergistic benefits, heretofore unattainable with prior art solar cells.
  • The combination of the solar cell 12 on the geomembrane 14 may be embodied as a new renewable energy generator that utilizes the existing area of a very large water reservoir 20 (or open sea) for numerous water related applications which are local to the water reservoir 20. For example, solar cell 12 may be electrically connected to a processing unit 22, also referred to as a water-related electrical device 22 or electrical device 22. The term “water-related electrical device” as used in the specification and claims refers to an electrical device powered by the solar cell(s) 12 on the geomembrane 14 and which has a fluid connection 24 from the water for processing the water.
  • The processing unit 22 is thus energized by electricity generated by the photovoltaic cells, thereby creating a WIPV (Water Integrated Photovoltaic) system. As seen in FIG. 2, the WIPV system can be used in a great variety of applications. The processing unit 22 may include or be used to operate, without limitation, a water pump, a water desalination unit, a water booster, a water treatment device, water delivery and management apparatus, filtration system, etc., or any combination thereof. In addition or alternatively, the electrical device 22 may include a general purpose electrical energy device, such as but not limited to, a power grid for home, industrial, lighting, etc., or any combination thereof. The processing unit 22 may include or be used to operate, without limitation, a WIPV Power Plant, WIPV Water Plant, WIPV water channel, WIPV water pipe, WIPV reservoir, WIPV desalination plant, WIPV irrigation system, WIPV pumping system, WIPV gas collection/power system, WIPV water delivery system, WIPV open water desalination plant, WIPV water treatment plant, WIPV maritime energy system, WIPV maritime mobile water desalination system, WIPV maritime national border defense system WIPV bridge, or WIPV water transportation system and any combination thereof.
  • Another embodiment may include a low cost drinking water source. A reservoir covered with solar membrane liners or covers could be used for various applications, such as but not limited to, pumping undrinkable water from the reservoir and recycling the water through filtration/desalination/disinfection back into the reservoir until the water is drinkable, and delivering the water to consumers using booster pumps.
  • Yet another application for the solar covers is in hydrogen creation in an electrolytic process. The oxygen may be tapped out and the hydrogen may be collected (in a container or trapped above the water and underneath the cover, for example), ready for use. For example, this embodiment may be a WIPV power plant, which may be offshore (ocean type WIPV) or near a shore of a sea water reservoir. In one example, a third of the area of the geomembrane together with the solar cells may produce energy to a power grid for a period of time during the day (e.g., 8 hour period). The other two thirds of the area of the geomembrane together with the solar cells may produce hydrogen and store it for the night time. The oxygen is fed to the atmosphere. When the sea water runs out it is replenished. During the night the stored hydrogen is used to run a generator that drives the grid. Thus, clean energy is generated on a 24 hour basis, which is equivalent to a 24 hour sun.
  • It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the features described hereinabove as well as modifications and variations thereof which would occur to a person of skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description and which are not in the prior art.

Claims (14)

What is claimed is:
1. A water integrated photovoltaic (WIPV) system comprising:
a plurality of interconnected photovoltaic cells covering at least a portion of a body of water, wherein at least some of said photovoltaic cells have a solar collecting surface covered by the water; and
a processing unit electrically connected to and powered by said photovoltaic cells, said processing unit comprising a fluid connection from the body of water for processing the water.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said processing unit comprises at least one of a water pump, a water desalination unit, a water booster, a water treatment device, water delivery and management apparatus, and a filtration system.
3. The system according to claim 1, wherein said processing unit comprises at least one of a WIPV Power Plant, a WIPV Water Plant, a WIPV water channel, a WIPV water pipe, a WIPV reservoir, a WIPV desalination plant, a WIPV irrigation system, a WIPV pumping system, a WIPV gas collection/power system, a WIPV water delivery system, a WIPV open water desalination plant, a WIPV water treatment plant, a WIPV maritime energy system, a WIPV maritime mobile water desalination system, a WIPV maritime national border defense system a WIPV bridge, and a WIPV water transportation system.
4. The system according to claim 1, wherein said processing unit comprises a system for pumping undrinkable water from the body of water and recycling the water back into the body of water until the water is drinkable.
5. The system according to claim 1, wherein said processing unit is adapted to create hydrogen in an electrolytic process.
6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the solar collecting surface of at least some of said photovoltaic cells is submerged in the water.
7. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a pump that sprays water on the solar collecting surface of at least some of said photovoltaic cells.
8. A method comprising:
covering at least a portion of a body of water with a plurality of interconnected photovoltaic cells, wherein at least some of said photovoltaic cells have a solar collecting surface covered by the water; and
processing the water with a processing unit electrically connected to and powered by said photovoltaic cells, said processing unit comprising a fluid connection from the body of water.
9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising using said processing unit to operate at least one of a water pump, a water desalination unit, a water booster, a water treatment device, water delivery and management apparatus, and a filtration system.
10. The method according to claim 8, further comprising using said processing unit to operate at least one of a WIPV Power Plant, a WIPV Water Plant, a WIPV water channel, a WIPV water pipe, a WIPV reservoir, a WIPV desalination plant, a WIPV irrigation system, a WIPV pumping system, a WIPV gas collection/power system, a WIPV water delivery system, a WIPV open water desalination plant, a WIPV water treatment plant, a WIPV maritime energy system, a WIPV maritime mobile water desalination system, a WIPV maritime national border defense system a WIPV bridge, and a WIPV water transportation system.
11. The method according to claim 8, further comprising using said processing unit to pump undrinkable water from the body of water and recycle the water back into the body of water until the water is drinkable.
12. The method according to claim 8, further comprising using said processing unit to create hydrogen in an electrolytic process.
13. A water integrated photovoltaic (WIPV) system comprising:
a plurality of interconnected photovoltaic cells covering at least a portion of a body of water, said photovoltaic cells being integrated with a geomembrane, said geomembrane comprising a flexible floating cover material that floats partially submerged below a water surface; and
a processing unit electrically connected to and powered by said photovoltaic cells.
14. The system according to claim 13, wherein said photovoltaic cells are sealed to said geomembrane with a seal at edges of said photovoltaic cells.
US11/746,697 2006-07-24 2007-05-10 Water integrated photovoltaic system Abandoned US20080169203A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/746,697 US20080169203A1 (en) 2006-07-24 2007-05-10 Water integrated photovoltaic system

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US83261306P 2006-07-24 2006-07-24
US11/746,697 US20080169203A1 (en) 2006-07-24 2007-05-10 Water integrated photovoltaic system

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20080169203A1 true US20080169203A1 (en) 2008-07-17

Family

ID=38441469

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/746,697 Abandoned US20080169203A1 (en) 2006-07-24 2007-05-10 Water integrated photovoltaic system
US11/746,689 Active 2029-09-01 US7902418B2 (en) 2006-07-24 2007-05-10 Disproportionation of isopentane

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/746,689 Active 2029-09-01 US7902418B2 (en) 2006-07-24 2007-05-10 Disproportionation of isopentane

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (2) US20080169203A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2008012791A1 (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080121613A1 (en) * 2006-09-06 2008-05-29 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Method of manufacturing solar panel
US20110168235A1 (en) * 2008-09-05 2011-07-14 Scienza Industria Tecnologia S.R.L. Apparatus and method for generating electricity using photovoltaic panels
WO2011100205A1 (en) * 2010-02-09 2011-08-18 Klein, David Method for operating non-potable water reservoir
US20130240025A1 (en) * 2010-11-30 2013-09-19 Active Innovation Management Buoyant solar panel, and solar power plant consisting of an assembly of said panels
US10148120B2 (en) * 2016-07-28 2018-12-04 International Business Machines Corporation Optimal distributed energy resource management system
US10411643B2 (en) * 2015-08-03 2019-09-10 4CSOLAR, Inc. Floating solar panel array with one-axis tracking system
WO2024041716A1 (en) 2022-08-22 2024-02-29 Vonnegut Benedikt Anton Photovoltaic plant and method for operating the same

Families Citing this family (25)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120090667A1 (en) * 2009-06-17 2012-04-19 Water Innovations Power and Technology Holdings Pty, LTD Power float
DE102011056284A1 (en) 2011-12-12 2013-06-13 Benecke-Kaliko Ag Floating cover foil with solar module
US20130274534A1 (en) * 2012-04-13 2013-10-17 Phillips 66 Company Paraffin disproportionation with zeolite y
DE102012108741A1 (en) 2012-09-18 2014-03-20 Benecke-Kaliko Ag Foil floating power generation system
DE102012108740A1 (en) 2012-09-18 2014-03-20 Benecke-Kaliko Ag Floating power plant
WO2014131782A1 (en) * 2013-02-26 2014-09-04 Danmarks Tekniske Universitet Off-shore photovoltaic installation
US9102577B2 (en) * 2013-06-28 2015-08-11 Uop Llc Catalytic disproportionation of paraffins using ionic liquids
US9096480B2 (en) * 2013-06-28 2015-08-04 Uop Llc Catalytic disproportionation of heptane using ionic liquids
US9096485B2 (en) * 2013-06-28 2015-08-04 Uop Llc Catalytic isomerization of heptane using ionic liquids
US20150005554A1 (en) * 2013-06-28 2015-01-01 Uop Llc Catalytic isomerization of butane using ionic liquids
US9096481B2 (en) * 2013-06-28 2015-08-04 Uop Llc Catalytic disproportionation of pentane using ionic liquids
US9096482B2 (en) * 2013-06-28 2015-08-04 Uop Llc Catalytic reverse disproportionation of paraffins using ionic liquids
US20150045602A1 (en) * 2013-08-07 2015-02-12 Uop Llc Process for promoting disproportionation reactions and ring opening reactions within an isomerization zone
US9567534B2 (en) 2014-04-21 2017-02-14 Uop Llc Flexible gasoline process using multiple feedstocks
US9302958B2 (en) 2014-05-01 2016-04-05 Uop Llc Process for increasing the yield of an isomerization zone
US9302960B2 (en) 2014-05-01 2016-04-05 Uop Llc Process for producing a feed stream for a steam cracker
US9302957B2 (en) 2014-05-01 2016-04-05 Uop Llc Process for controlling the yield of an isomerization zone
US9302956B2 (en) 2014-05-01 2016-04-05 Uop Llc Process for increasing the yield of an isomerization zone fractionation
US9302959B2 (en) 2014-05-01 2016-04-05 Uop Llc Process for increasing the yield of an isomerization zone
US20160159710A1 (en) * 2014-12-05 2016-06-09 Uop Llc Disproportionation of hydrocarbons using solid acid catalysts
US20160168053A1 (en) * 2014-12-11 2016-06-16 Uop Llc Integrated process for normal paraffin alkylation
US9682901B2 (en) 2014-12-30 2017-06-20 Uop Llc Hydrocarbon processing apparatuses and processes for producing N-pentane and isobutane
WO2017011232A1 (en) 2015-07-10 2017-01-19 Uop Llc Synthesis of non-cyclic amide and thioamide based ionic liquids
WO2017011222A1 (en) * 2015-07-10 2017-01-19 Uop Llc Hydrocarbon conversion processes using non-cyclic amide and thioamide based ionic liquids
DE102016011712A1 (en) 2016-09-29 2018-03-29 Benecke-Kaliko Ag Floating power generation system

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4339626A (en) * 1981-04-16 1982-07-13 Varian Associates, Inc. Solar pond power plant
US6127620A (en) * 1996-09-04 2000-10-03 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Converging solar module
US6508929B1 (en) * 2001-08-21 2003-01-21 Richard M. Mercer Water treatment apparatus and method
US20050133088A1 (en) * 2003-12-19 2005-06-23 Zorba, Agio & Bologeorges, L.P. Solar-powered water features with submersible solar cells
US20060260605A1 (en) * 2003-05-29 2006-11-23 Connor Philip M Collector for solar radiation

Family Cites Families (29)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2204673A (en) * 1935-12-19 1940-06-18 Standard Oil Dev Co Method of treating hydrocarbons
US2363858A (en) * 1939-09-28 1944-11-28 Standard Oil Dev Co Hydrocarbon treatment
US2311713A (en) * 1940-04-20 1943-02-23 Shell Dev Catalyst and process for the preparation thereof
US2403649A (en) * 1942-01-13 1946-07-09 Phillips Petroleum Co Hydrocarbon reconstruction
US2446100A (en) * 1945-07-12 1948-07-27 Socony Vacuum Oil Co Inc Preparation of catalysts
US3248343A (en) * 1964-04-07 1966-04-26 Standard Oil Co Hydrocarbon conversion catalyst
US3280213A (en) * 1964-05-13 1966-10-18 Standard Oil Co Liquid phase isomerization process
US3392212A (en) * 1964-12-21 1968-07-09 Standard Oil Co Process for producing dimethylbutane from pentane
US3953537A (en) * 1969-01-22 1976-04-27 Atlantic Richfield Company Disproportionating C2 -C6 paraffins over zeolites
US3679771A (en) * 1970-05-12 1972-07-25 Phillips Petroleum Co Conversion of hydrocarbons
US3676522A (en) * 1971-01-18 1972-07-11 Chevron Res Disproportionation and isomerization for isopentane production
US4683076A (en) * 1985-06-24 1987-07-28 The Dow Chemical Company Process for the removal of H2 S from geothermal steam and the conversion to sulfur using ferric chelate and cationic polymer
US4719190A (en) * 1986-10-22 1988-01-12 University Of Florida Hydrocarbon conversion and polymerization catalyst and method of making and using same
DE3919125A1 (en) * 1989-06-12 1990-12-13 Volkrodt Wolfgang Floating solar collector - made of solar cell foils welded between specified light-weight crosslinked plastic foils
US5294578A (en) * 1992-12-23 1994-03-15 Mobil Oil Corp. Supported acid catalysts, their preparation and use in organic compound conversion
US5396016A (en) * 1993-08-19 1995-03-07 Mobil Oil Corp. MCM-36 as a catalyst for upgrading paraffins
US5414184A (en) * 1994-01-10 1995-05-09 Phillips Petroleum Company Alkane disproportionation
US5489727A (en) * 1994-10-28 1996-02-06 Phillips Petroleum Company Isopentane disproportionation
JPH08209373A (en) * 1994-12-09 1996-08-13 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Electrolyzer
DK172069B1 (en) * 1994-12-21 1997-10-13 Topsoe Haldor As Process for preparing an isobutane / isohexane-containing product
JPH09223813A (en) * 1996-02-15 1997-08-26 Fuji Denki Techno Eng Kk Solar cell module and generator using it
DE19857174A1 (en) * 1998-12-11 2000-06-15 Wolfgang Volkrodt Maritime, floating solar collectors of plastics transparent top foil and back-up foil, sandwiching photovoltaic material coated support foil
US6265630B1 (en) * 1998-12-30 2001-07-24 Phillips Petroleum Company Process for pentane disproportionation
DE19908645A1 (en) * 1999-02-27 2000-08-31 Wolfgang Volkrodt Floating solar collector with support frame with top and bottom water-tight foils sandwiching thin-layer photovoltaic material
US6423880B1 (en) * 2000-06-19 2002-07-23 Phillips Petroleum Company Isopentane disproportionation
JP2003071440A (en) * 2001-09-03 2003-03-11 Ebara Corp Method and apparatus for cleaning water in river, lake, marsh, or the like
NZ538162A (en) * 2002-08-15 2006-09-29 Ciba Spec Chem Water Treat Ltd High molecular weight cationic polymers obtained by post-polymerisation crosslinking reaction
DE10318036A1 (en) * 2003-04-19 2004-11-04 Nikolaus Johannes Laing Waterborne platform for solar energy converter and hydrogen production, has integral electrolyzer supplied with power from photocells with concentrator lenses arranged on floating platform
US20050033102A1 (en) * 2003-08-06 2005-02-10 Randolph Bruce B. Supported ionic liquid and the use thereof in the disproportionation of isopentane

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4339626A (en) * 1981-04-16 1982-07-13 Varian Associates, Inc. Solar pond power plant
US6127620A (en) * 1996-09-04 2000-10-03 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Converging solar module
US6508929B1 (en) * 2001-08-21 2003-01-21 Richard M. Mercer Water treatment apparatus and method
US20060260605A1 (en) * 2003-05-29 2006-11-23 Connor Philip M Collector for solar radiation
US20050133088A1 (en) * 2003-12-19 2005-06-23 Zorba, Agio & Bologeorges, L.P. Solar-powered water features with submersible solar cells

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080121613A1 (en) * 2006-09-06 2008-05-29 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Method of manufacturing solar panel
US7906365B2 (en) * 2006-09-06 2011-03-15 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Method of manufacturing solar cell panel
US20110168235A1 (en) * 2008-09-05 2011-07-14 Scienza Industria Tecnologia S.R.L. Apparatus and method for generating electricity using photovoltaic panels
WO2011100205A1 (en) * 2010-02-09 2011-08-18 Klein, David Method for operating non-potable water reservoir
US20130240025A1 (en) * 2010-11-30 2013-09-19 Active Innovation Management Buoyant solar panel, and solar power plant consisting of an assembly of said panels
JP2013546187A (en) * 2010-11-30 2013-12-26 アクティヴ イノヴァシオン マナジュマン A solar power plant comprising a boiler solar panel and an assembly of the panels
US10411643B2 (en) * 2015-08-03 2019-09-10 4CSOLAR, Inc. Floating solar panel array with one-axis tracking system
US10148120B2 (en) * 2016-07-28 2018-12-04 International Business Machines Corporation Optimal distributed energy resource management system
US10530181B2 (en) 2016-07-28 2020-01-07 International Business Machines Corporation Optimal distributed energy resource management system
WO2024041716A1 (en) 2022-08-22 2024-02-29 Vonnegut Benedikt Anton Photovoltaic plant and method for operating the same

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20080021254A1 (en) 2008-01-24
WO2008012791A1 (en) 2008-01-31
US7902418B2 (en) 2011-03-08

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20080169203A1 (en) Water integrated photovoltaic system
Rathore et al. A comprehensive review of different types of solar photovoltaic cells and their applications
Ghosh Potential of building integrated and attached/applied photovoltaic (BIPV/BAPV) for adaptive less energy-hungry building’s skin: A comprehensive review
Shukla et al. A comprehensive review on design of building integrated photovoltaic system
US20070283999A1 (en) Solar cell geomembrane assembly
Jha Solar cell technology and applications
Poullikkas Technology and market future prospects of photovoltaic systems.
US6472593B1 (en) Hybrid roof covering element
US20100065106A1 (en) Floating water integrated photovoltaic module
CN202150471U (en) Structure capable of improving photoelectric conversion efficiency for solar cell
Dubey et al. Distributed generation current scenario in the world
JP5340312B2 (en) Photoelectric conversion module
Shukla et al. Solar photovoltaic energy: the state-of-art
Prasad et al. Photovoltaic systems
CN113346827A (en) Offshore distributed storage and power generation integrated facility
Aghaei et al. An overview of solar cells materials classification
Ropp Photovoltaic systems
WO2011100205A1 (en) Method for operating non-potable water reservoir
Starr et al. Photovoltaic power for Europe: an assessment study
Mendoza et al. Design of Floating Solar Power System for a Local Community Application with Sample Prototype for a Single Panel
Gonzalez et al. Converting solar radiation to electric power in Mexico
Faiman Light Power: Half A Century Of Solar Electricity Research-Volume 2: 20th Century Photovoltaic Systems
KR20150079083A (en) buoyage of shipping route using hybrid energy system
Nelson Potential of Photovoltaics
Mirkouei Net-Zero and Low Carbon Solutions for the Energy Sector: A Guide to Decarbonization Technologies

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: AQUATE SOLAR LIMITED, ISRAEL

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:YEKUTIELY, BARAK;YEKUTIELY, DAVID;REEL/FRAME:019573/0044

Effective date: 20070510

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION