WO2012144431A1 - Solar cell module and solar power generation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

This solar cell module includes: a light guide body, which propagates first light inputted from a first main surface to a first end surface; a solar cell element, which receives the first light outputted from the first end surface of the light guide body, and generates a current; and a light source, which outputs second light that propagates toward the first end surface in the light guide body.

Description

Solar cell module, solar power generator

The present invention relates to a solar cell module and a solar power generation device.
This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-094424 filed in Japan on April 20, 2011, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

A solar cell module including a light guide for guiding incident sunlight to a solar cell element has been proposed (see Patent Document 1 below). The solar cell module described in Patent Document 1 includes a light guide body having a substantially right triangular shape in which a plurality of V-shaped grooves are formed, and a solar cell element is attached to an end surface of the light guide body. .

JP 2004-47752 A

The solar cell module of Patent Document 1 is not configured to detect a defect even when a defect such as contamination or deterioration of the light guide occurs due to a manufacturing process or long-term use. Therefore, a solar cell module may be used in the state where a malfunction has occurred. If the solar cell module is used in a state where a defect has occurred, the light incident efficiency to the solar cell element is lowered, and the power generation efficiency is lowered.

An aspect of the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and an object thereof is to provide a solar cell module capable of suppressing a decrease in power generation efficiency and a solar power generation device using the solar cell module.

In order to achieve the above object, a solar cell module according to one aspect of the present invention includes a light guide that propagates first light incident from a first main surface to a first end surface, and the first of the light guides. A solar cell element that receives a first light emitted from one end face and generates a current; and a light source that emits a second light propagating through the light guide toward the first end face. Including.

In the solar cell module according to one aspect of the present invention, the light guide reflects and propagates the first light incident from the first main surface by an inclined surface provided on the second main surface. You may include the shape light guide inject | emitted from an end surface.

In the solar cell module according to one aspect of the present invention, the light guide includes a fluorescent light guide including a phosphor, and the fluorescent light guide is part of the first light incident from the first main surface. May be absorbed by the phosphor, and the fluorescence emitted from the phosphor may be propagated and emitted from the first end face.

In the solar cell module according to one aspect of the present invention, the fluorescent light guide may include a plurality of fluorescent materials having different peak wavelengths of absorption spectra as the fluorescent material.

In the solar cell module according to an aspect of the present invention, the light source may emit light having a wavelength that does not excite the phosphor.

In the solar cell module according to an aspect of the present invention, the light source may emit light having a wavelength that excites the phosphor.

In the solar cell module according to one aspect of the present invention, the light source may be disposed on a second end surface facing the first end surface of the light guide.

In the solar cell module according to one aspect of the present invention, the light source is a laser light source that emits laser light as the second light, and the laser light may be arranged to directly enter the first end surface. Good.

In the solar cell module according to an aspect of the present invention, the light source is a laser light source that emits laser light as the second light, and the laser light is arranged to be incident on the second main surface, The light guide may emit the laser beam emitted from the laser light source by being totally reflected by the second main surface and propagating from the first end surface.

In the solar cell module according to an aspect of the present invention, the light source may emit light having a predetermined diffusion angle as the second light.

The solar cell module according to an aspect of the present invention may further include an image sensor that images the first main surface of the light guide.

In the solar cell module according to one aspect of the present invention, the imaging element may be detachable from the light guide.

In the solar cell module according to one aspect of the present invention, the light guide includes a plurality of light guides, and the plurality of light guides are stacked with the first main surface and the second main surface facing each other. The first end faces are arranged in the same direction, and the first light incident from the first main surface is different from the first main surface to the plurality of light guides. A shape light guide that is reflected and propagated by an inclined surface provided on the main surface and is emitted from the first end surface, and a phosphor, and a part of the first light incident from the first main surface is And a fluorescent light guide that is absorbed by the fluorescent material and propagates the fluorescent light emitted from the fluorescent material and exits from the first end face.

In the solar cell module according to an aspect of the present invention, the light guide disposed at a position farthest from the side on which the first light enters from the outside among the plurality of light guides is the fluorescent light guide. Also good.

In the solar cell module according to the aspect of the present invention, the second main surface of the fluorescent light guide and the end surface other than the first end surface of the fluorescent light guide reflect the fluorescence emitted from the fluorescent material. A layer may be provided.

In the solar cell module according to an aspect of the present invention, the light source may emit the second light by a current generated by the solar cell element.

The solar cell module in one aspect of the present invention further includes a storage battery that stores a current generated by the solar cell element, and the light source emits the second light by the current stored in the storage battery. Good.

In the solar cell module according to one aspect of the present invention, the light source may be detachable from the light guide.

In the solar cell module according to an aspect of the present invention, a plurality of the light sources may be arranged on an end surface other than the first end surface of the light guide.

In the solar cell module according to one aspect of the present invention, the light guide may be provided with a light receiving element that receives the second light emitted from the light source.

In the solar cell module according to one aspect of the present invention, the light source may be rotatably provided so that an incident angle of the second light emitted from the light source to the light guide body is changed.

A solar power generation device according to another aspect of the present invention includes the solar cell module of the present invention.

According to the aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a solar cell module and a solar power generation device that can suppress a decrease in power generation efficiency.

It is a schematic perspective view of the solar cell module of 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing of a solar cell module. It is sectional drawing of a solar cell module. It is a figure which shows the absorption characteristic of fluorescent substance. It is a figure which shows the absorption characteristic of fluorescent substance. It is a figure which shows the light emission characteristic of fluorescent substance. It is a figure which shows the light emission characteristic of fluorescent substance. It is a figure which shows a mode that the 2nd light from a light source propagates a shape light guide. It is a figure which shows a mode that the 2nd light from a light source propagates a shape light guide. It is a figure which shows a mode that the 2nd light from a light source propagates a fluorescence light guide. It is a figure which shows a mode that the 2nd light from a light source propagates a fluorescence light guide. It is a figure which shows the extraction efficiency of the light of a fluorescence light guide. It is a figure which shows the extraction efficiency of the light of a shape light guide. It is a figure which shows the light extraction efficiency at the time of laminating | stacking a fluorescence light guide and a shape light guide in this order from the incident side of light. It is a figure which shows the light extraction efficiency at the time of laminating | stacking a shape light guide and a fluorescence light guide in this order from the incident side of light. It is a schematic block diagram of the solar power generation device of 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram of the solar power generation device of 3rd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the solar cell module of 4th Embodiment. It is a schematic plan view of the solar cell module of 5th Embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the solar cell module of 6th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the permeation | transmission characteristic of a fluorescence light guide. It is a figure which shows the permeation | transmission characteristic of a fluorescence light guide. It is sectional drawing of the solar cell module which concerns on the 1st modification of 6th Embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the solar cell module of 7th Embodiment.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the solar cell module 1 of the first embodiment.

The solar cell module 1 includes a light guide unit 2, a solar cell element 5, a solar cell element 6, a light source 11, a light source 12, an imaging element 13, and a frame body 10. The light guide unit 2 is formed by laminating a shape light guide 3 and a fluorescent light guide 4. The solar cell element 5 receives light emitted from the first end surface 3 c of the shape light guide 3. The solar cell element 6 receives light emitted from the first end face 4 c of the fluorescent light guide 4. The light source 11 emits light toward the first end surface 3 c while propagating through the shape light guide 3. The light source 12 emits light toward the first end face 4 c while propagating through the fluorescent light guide 4. The imaging element 13 images the first main surface 4 a of the fluorescent light guide 4. The frame 10 integrally holds the light guide unit 2, the solar cell element 5, the solar cell element 6, the light source 11, the light source 12, and the imaging element 13.

The shape light guide 3 includes a first main surface 3a that is a light incident surface, a second main surface 3b that faces the first main surface 3a, and a first end surface 3c that is a light emission surface. The fluorescent light guide 4 includes a first main surface 4a that is a light incident surface, a second main surface 4b that faces the first main surface 4a, and a first end surface 4c that is a light emission surface. The shape light guide 3 and the fluorescence light guide 4 are formed such that the first main surface 3a of the shape light guide 3 and the second main surface 4b of the fluorescence light guide 4 face each other. It is laminated in the Z direction via an air layer K (low refractive index layer) having a refractive index smaller than that of the fluorescent light guide 4.

The first main surface 3a of the shape light guide 3 and the first main surface 4a of the fluorescent light guide 4 face each other in the same direction (light incident side: -Z direction). By stacking the shape light guide 3 and the fluorescence light guide 4 along the incident direction of the light L, the light that could not be captured by the fluorescence light guide 4 on the previous stage side (side closer to the light L incident side). Can be captured by the shape light guide 3 on the rear stage side (the side far from the light incident side).

The first end surface 3c of the shape light guide 3 and the first end surface 4c of the fluorescent light guide 4 are oriented in the same direction. The first end face 3c of the shape light guide 3 and the first end face 4c of the fluorescent light guide 4 are arranged on the same plane parallel to the XZ plane. For this reason, the solar cell element 5 that receives the light emitted from the first end surface 3c of the shape light guide 3 and the solar cell element 6 that receives the light emitted from the first end surface 4c of the fluorescent light guide 4 are provided. It can be placed in one place.

The shape light guide 3 is a substantially rectangular plate-like member having a first main surface 3a and a second main surface 3b perpendicular to the Z axis (parallel to the XY plane). As the shape light guide 3, a highly transparent organic material or inorganic material such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, or glass is used. As an example, the shape of the shape light guide 3 is 100 mm × 100 mm in the vertical and horizontal dimensions (the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction in FIG. 1) and becomes the thickness (z-axis in FIG. 1). Direction dimension) is 10 mm. The vertical and horizontal dimensions and thickness are not limited to this.

A plurality of grooves T extending in the X direction are provided on the second main surface 3 b of the shape light guide 3. The groove T is a V-shaped groove having an inclined surface T1 that is inclined with respect to a plane parallel to the XY plane and a surface T2 that intersects the inclined surface T1. In FIG. 1, only a few grooves T are shown in order to simplify the drawing, but in practice, a large number of fine grooves T having a width of about 100 μm are formed. The groove T is formed integrally with the main body of the light guide, for example, by injection molding a resin (for example, polymethyl methacrylate resin: PMMA) using a mold.

The inclined surface T1 is a reflecting surface that totally reflects the light L (for example, sunlight) incident from the first main surface 3a and changes the traveling direction of the light to the direction toward the first end surface 3c. The light L incident at an angle close to perpendicular to the first main surface 3a is reflected by the inclined surface T1 and propagates in the Y direction in the shape light guide 3 generally.

On the second main surface 3b of the shape light guide 3, a plurality of such grooves T are provided in the Y direction so that the inclined surfaces T1 and T2 are in contact with each other. The shape and size of the plurality of grooves T provided on the second main surface 3b are all the same.

The fluorescent light guide 4 is a substantially rectangular plate-like member having a first main surface 4a and a second main surface 4b perpendicular to the Z axis (parallel to the XY plane). As an example, the fluorescent light guide 4 has dimensions of 100 mm × 100 mm in the length and breadth (the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction in FIG. 1) of the rectangle serving as the first main surface 4a, and the thickness (z-axis in FIG. 1). Direction dimension) is 5 mm. The vertical and horizontal dimensions and thickness are not limited to this.

The fluorescent light guide 4 is obtained by dispersing a fluorescent material inside a base material made of a highly transparent organic material or inorganic material such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, or glass. Examples of the phosphor include a plurality of types of phosphors that absorb ultraviolet light or visible light and emit visible light or infrared light. The light emitted from the fluorescent material propagates through the fluorescent light guide 4 and is emitted from the first end face 4 c, and is used for power generation by the solar cell element 6.

Note that visible light is light in a wavelength region of 380 nm to 750 nm, ultraviolet light is light in a wavelength region less than 380 nm, and infrared light is light in a wavelength region larger than 750 nm.

It is desirable that the material of the light guide constituting the light guide unit has transparency to wavelengths of 400 nm or less so that external light can be taken in effectively. For example, a material having a transmittance of 90% or more, more preferably 93% or more with respect to light in a wavelength region of 360 nm to 800 nm is suitable. For example, in the case of a silicon resin substrate, a quartz substrate, or a PMMA resin substrate, “Acrylite” (registered trademark) manufactured by Mitsubishi Rayon is suitable because it has high transparency to light in a wide wavelength region. .

The first main surface 4a and the second main surface 4b of the fluorescent light guide 4 are flat surfaces substantially parallel to the XY plane. On the end face other than the first end face 4c of the fluorescent light guide 4, a reflective layer 9 for reflecting light (fluorescence) emitted from the fluorescent substance is provided. As the reflective layer 9, a reflective film such as a silver film, an ESR (Enhanced Spectral Reflector) film, or an aluminum film can be used. As the reflective layer 9, for example, a layer having a reflectance of 92% or more is suitable.

On the second main surface 3 b of the shape light guide 3, a reflection layer 7 that reflects the light transmitted through the second main surface 3 b of the shape light guide 3 to the inside of the shape light guide 3 is provided. Although illustration is omitted, light is transmitted to the inside of the shape light guide 3 so that light does not leak from the end surfaces to the outside of the shape light guide 3 on the end surfaces other than the first end surface 3 c of the shape light guide 3. A reflective layer for reflection may be provided.

The solar cell element 5 is disposed with the light receiving surface facing the first end surface 3 c of the shape light guide 3. The solar cell element 6 is disposed with the light receiving surface facing the first end surface 4 c of the fluorescent light guide 4.

As the solar cell element 5 and the solar cell element 6, known solar cells such as silicon solar cells, compound solar cells, and organic solar cells can be used. Especially, the compound type solar cell using a compound semiconductor is suitable as the solar cell element 5 and the solar cell element 6 since high-efficiency electric power generation is possible. In the present embodiment, a GaAs three-layer junction type compound solar cell (conversion efficiency: about 40%) is used as the solar cell element 5. As the solar cell element 6, a GaAs compound single-layer solar cell (conversion efficiency: about 50%) is used.

The light source 11 is disposed on the second end surface 3 d facing the first end surface 3 c of the shape light guide 3.
The light source 11 emits laser light (emission intensity peak: about 633 nm) as first light and first light that emits light having a predetermined diffusion angle (expansion angle) as second light. 2 light sources 11b.

The first light source 11a is arranged so that the laser light emitted from the first light source 11a is directly incident on the first end surface 3c (see FIG. 7A). Note that a laser light source that emits laser light having a wavelength other than 633 nm may be used as the first light source 11a.

On the other hand, the second light source 11b is arranged so that light emitted from the light source enters the second main surface 3b (see FIG. 7B). The shape light guide 3 causes the light emitted from the second light source 11b to be totally reflected and propagated by the second main surface 3b and is emitted from the first end surface 3c. For example, the second light source 11b can be arranged so that the light emitted from the second light source 11b propagates with an inclination of 20 degrees from the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction) to the lower direction (+ Z-axis direction). . As the second light source 11b, a directional red LED having a diffusion angle within a predetermined diffusion angle range (for example, within 20 degrees) can be used.

The light source 12 is disposed on the second end surface 4 d facing the first end surface 4 c of the fluorescent light guide 4.
The light source 12 emits light having a wavelength that does not excite the phosphor (light having a wavelength other than the wavelength range that excites the phosphor), and light having a wavelength that excites the phosphor (excites the phosphor). 2nd light source 12b which inject | emits the light of the wavelength within a wavelength range).

The first light source 12a is a laser light source that emits laser light (emission intensity peak: about 633 nm) as third light. The first light source 12a is arranged so that the laser light emitted from the first light source 12a is directly incident on the first end face 4c (see FIG. 8A). Note that a laser light source that emits laser light having a wavelength other than 633 nm may be used as the first light source 12a.

On the other hand, the second light source 12b is a light source that emits light having a predetermined diffusion angle (expansion angle) as the fourth light. The second light source 12b is arranged so that the laser light emitted from the second light source 12b is directly incident on the first end face 4c (see FIG. 8B). As the second light source 12b, a directional ultraviolet LED having a diffusion angle within a predetermined diffusion angle range (for example, within 20 degrees) can be used.

The image sensor 13 is disposed above the light source 12 (on the −Z axis direction side). The imaging element 13 images the first main surface 4 a of the fluorescent light guide 4. The imaging element 13 may be fixed so as to image a part of the first main surface 4a of the fluorescent light guide 4 or may image the entire first main surface 4a of the fluorescent light guide 4. It may be provided to be movable.

The frame 10 includes a transmission surface 10a that transmits the light L on a surface facing the first main surface 4a of the fluorescent light guide 4 disposed on the most front side. The transmission surface 10a may be an opening of the frame 10, or may be a transparent member such as glass fitted in the opening of the frame 10. The first main surface 4 a of the fluorescent light guide 4 that overlaps the transmission surface 10 a of the frame 10 when viewed from the Z direction is the light incident surface of the light guide unit 2. In addition, the first end surface 3 c of the shape light guide 3 and the first end surface 4 c of the fluorescent light guide 4 are the first light exit surfaces of the light guide unit 2.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the solar cell module 1. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the groove T provided in the second main surface 3 b of the shape light guide 3.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the second main surface 3b of the shape light guide 3 reflects light incident from the first main surface 3a so that the light travels in the direction toward the first end surface 3c. A plurality of grooves T to be changed are provided. The groove T is a V-shaped groove in which an inclined surface T1 that forms an angle θ with respect to the Y axis and a surface T2 that is perpendicular to the Y axis intersect at a ridgeline T3. A surface T2 is disposed on the first end surface 3c side with the ridge line T3 interposed therebetween, and an inclined surface T1 is disposed on the opposite side to the first end surface 3c.

For example, the angle θ is 42 °, the width of one groove T in the Y direction is 100 μm, the depth of the groove T in the Z direction is 90 μm, and the refractive index of the shape light guide 3 is 1.5. It is. However, the angle θ, the width of the groove T in the Y direction, the depth of the groove T in the Z direction, and the refractive index of the shape light guide 3 are not limited thereto.

A plurality of types of phosphors having different absorption wavelength ranges (for example, the first phosphor 8a, the second phosphor 8b, and the third phosphor 8c in FIG. 2A) are dispersed in the fluorescent light guide 4. . The first phosphor 8a absorbs ultraviolet light and emits blue fluorescence, the second phosphor 8b absorbs blue light and emits green fluorescence, and the third phosphor 8c emits green light. Absorbs and emits red fluorescence. The first phosphor 8a, the second phosphor 8b, and the third phosphor 8c are mixed when, for example, a PMMA resin is molded. The mixing ratio of the first phosphor 8a, the second phosphor 8b, and the third phosphor 8c is as follows. The mixing ratio of the first phosphor 8a, the second phosphor 8b, and the third phosphor 8c is shown as a volume ratio with respect to the PMMA resin.

First phosphor 8a: BASF Lumogen F Blue (trade name) 0.02%
Second phosphor 8b: BASF Lumogen F Green (trade name) 0.02%
Third phosphor 8c: BASF Lumogen F Red (trade name) 0.02%

3 to 6 are diagrams showing the emission characteristics and absorption characteristics of the first phosphor 8a, the second phosphor 8b, and the third phosphor 8c. In FIG. 3, the white squares indicate the spectrum of sunlight after the ultraviolet light is absorbed by the first phosphor 8a, and the triangles indicate the sunlight after the blue light is absorbed by the second phosphor 8b. The cross indicates the spectrum of sunlight after green light is absorbed by the third phosphor 8c. A black square shows the spectrum of sunlight. In FIG. 4, circles indicate the spectrum of sunlight after ultraviolet light, blue light, and green light are absorbed by the first phosphor 8a, the second phosphor 8b, and the third phosphor 8c. A black square shows the spectrum of sunlight. In FIG. 5, the black square is the emission spectrum of the first phosphor 8a, the triangle is the emission spectrum of the second phosphor 8b, and the white square is the emission spectrum of the third phosphor 8c. In FIG. 6, a square is a spectrum of light emitted from the first end face 4c of the fluorescent light guide 4 including the first fluorescent body 8a, the second fluorescent body 8b, and the third fluorescent body 8c.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first phosphor 8a absorbs light having a wavelength of approximately 420 nm or less. The second phosphor 8b absorbs light having a wavelength of approximately 420 nm or more and 520 nm or less. The third phosphor 8c absorbs light having a wavelength of approximately 520 nm or more and 620 nm or less. The first phosphor 8a, the second phosphor 8b, and the third phosphor 8c absorb almost all light having a wavelength of 620 nm or less in the sunlight incident on the second light guide. In the sunlight spectrum, the proportion of light having a wavelength of 620 nm or less is about 48%. Therefore, 48% of the light incident on the light incident surface of the light guide unit 2 (the first main surface 4a of the fluorescent light guide 4) is the first fluorescent material 8a and the second fluorescent light included in the fluorescent light guide 4. The remaining 52% is absorbed by the body 8b and the third phosphor 8c and passes through the fluorescence light guide 4 and enters the shape light guide 3.

The fluorescence quantum yields of the first phosphor 8a, the second phosphor 8b, and the third phosphor 8c are all 92%. Therefore, 92% of the light absorbed by the first phosphor 8a, the second phosphor 8b, and the third phosphor 8c is converted into fluorescence. The fluorescence propagates through the fluorescent light guide 4 and is emitted from the first end face 4c. At this time, the ratio of the light leaking outside the fluorescent light guide 4 without being totally reflected by the first main surface 4a and the second main surface 4b due to the difference in refractive index between the fluorescent light guide 4 and the surrounding air layer is The loss of light when propagating through the fluorescent light guide 4 is 5%. Therefore, the ratio of the light emitted from the first end surface 4c is 30% of the light incident on the first main surface 4a.

As shown in FIG. 5, the emission spectrum of the first phosphor 8a has a peak wavelength at 430 nm. The emission spectrum of the second phosphor 8b has a peak wavelength at 520 nm. The emission spectrum of the third phosphor 8c has a peak wavelength at 630 nm. However, as shown in FIG. 6, the spectrum of light emitted from the first end face of the second light guide including the first phosphor 8a, the second phosphor 8b, and the third phosphor 8c is the third phosphor. It has a peak wavelength only at a wavelength corresponding to the peak wavelength (630 nm) of the emission spectrum of 8c, the peak wavelength (430 nm) of the emission spectrum of the first phosphor 8a and the peak wavelength (520 nm of the emission spectrum of the second phosphor 8b). ) Does not have a peak wavelength.

The cause of the disappearance of the peak of the emission spectrum corresponding to the first phosphor 8a and the peak of the emission spectrum corresponding to the second phosphor 8b is the energy transfer between the phosphors due to photoluminescence (PL) and the Forster mechanism. Examples thereof include energy transfer between phosphors by (fluorescence resonance energy transfer). Energy transfer by photoluminescence occurs when fluorescence emitted from one phosphor is used as excitation energy for another phosphor. In the Förster mechanism, excitation energy directly moves between two adjacent phosphors by electron resonance without going through such light emission and absorption processes. Energy transfer between the phosphors by the Förster mechanism is performed without going through the process of light emission and absorption, so that energy loss is small. Therefore, it contributes to the improvement of the power generation efficiency of the solar cell module.

7A and 7B are views showing a state in which the first light from the light source 11 propagates through the shape light guide 3. FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating a state in which the first light from the first light source 11 a constituting the light source 11 propagates through the shape light guide 3. FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the second light from the second light source 11 b constituting the light source 11 propagates through the shape light guide 3.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the first light source 11a is arranged so that the laser light emitted from the first light source 11a is directly incident on the first end face 3c. The laser light emitted from the first light source 11 a propagates inside the shape light guide 3 and directly enters the solar cell element 5. By measuring the power generation amount of the solar cell element 5 by the irradiation of the laser light and monitoring the measurement result of the power generation amount, it is possible to detect whether or not the solar cell element 5 is defective or deteriorated. .

As shown in FIG. 7B, the second light source 11b is arranged so that light having a predetermined diffusion angle emitted from the second light source 11b is incident on the second main surface 3b. The light emitted from the second light source 11b propagates inside the shape light guide 3 while repeating total reflection on the second main surface 3b and total reflection on the first main surface 3a, and thus a solar cell element. 5 is incident. By measuring the power generation amount of the solar cell element 5 by light irradiation by the second light source 11b and monitoring the measurement result of the power generation amount, the light guide state of the shape light guide 3 can be confirmed. That is, it is possible to detect whether the shape light guide 3 has a defect such as a defect or deterioration.

In addition, the path | route which light propagates the inside of the shape light guide 3 can be changed by changing the magnitude | size (light spreading degree) of the light emitted from the 2nd light source 11b.

For example, when the diffusion angle of light emitted from the second light source 11b is increased (when the degree of spread of light is increased), the angle (propagation angle) at which the second light source 11b propagates inside the shape light guide 3 mutually. ) Are emitted. In this case, the total reflection angle at the second main surface 3b and the total reflection angle at the first main surface 3a of each light bundle are changed. For this reason, a plurality of light bundles propagate in the shape light guide 3 in a wide range.

On the other hand, when the diffusion angle of light emitted from the second light source 11b is reduced (when the degree of spread of light is reduced), light having high directivity such as laser light is emitted from the second light source 11b. The Rukoto. In this case, the total reflection angle on the second main surface 3b of light having high directivity and the total reflection angle on the first main surface 3a are substantially constant. For this reason, light having high directivity forms a predetermined locus inside the shape light guide 3.

8A and 8B are views showing a state in which the third light from the light source 12 propagates through the fluorescent light guide 4. FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating a state in which the third light, which is light having a wavelength that does not excite the phosphor emitted from the first light source 12 a constituting the light source 12, propagates through the fluorescence light guide 4. FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the fourth light, which is light having a wavelength for exciting the phosphor emitted from the second light source 12 b constituting the light source 12, propagates through the fluorescence light guide 4.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the first light source 12a is arranged so that light emitted from the first light source 12a is directly incident on the first end face 4c. The first light source 12a emits light having a wavelength that does not excite the phosphor (light having a wavelength other than the wavelength region that excites the phosphor). The first light source 12a is a laser light source that emits laser light (emission intensity peak: about 633 nm) as third light.

The fluorescent substance inside the fluorescent light guide 4 is not excited by laser light having an emission intensity peak of about 633 nm. For this reason, the laser light emitted from the first light source 12 a propagates inside the fluorescent light guide 4 and directly enters the solar cell element 6. By measuring the power generation amount of the solar cell element 6 by the laser light irradiation and monitoring the measurement result of the power generation amount, it is possible to detect whether or not the solar cell element 6 is defective or deteriorated. .

As shown in FIG. 8B, the second light source 12b is arranged so that the light emitted from the second light source 12b is directly incident on the first end face 4c. The second light source 12b emits light having a wavelength for exciting the phosphor (light having a wavelength within a wavelength range for exciting the phosphor, for example, light having a wavelength of 620 nm or less). The second light source 12b is a directional ultraviolet LED whose diffusion angle is within a predetermined diffusion angle range (for example, within 20 degrees).

A part of the light emitted from the second light source 12b is absorbed by the phosphor in the process of propagating through the fluorescent light guide 4. The fluorescence emitted from the phosphor propagates inside the fluorescence light guide 4 and enters the solar cell element 6. By measuring the power generation amount of the solar cell element 6 due to the irradiation of the fluorescence and monitoring the measurement result of the power generation amount, defects such as defects and deterioration of the fluorescent light guide 4 (phosphor dispersed inside) occur. It can be detected whether or not.

In the solar cell module 1 of the present embodiment, the amount of power generated by the solar cell elements 5 and 6 is monitored using light emitted from the light sources 11 and 12 and propagating through the light guides 3 and 4 as reference light. Thus, it is possible to detect problems such as contamination and deterioration of the light guides 3 and 4 due to the manufacturing process of the solar cell module 1 and long-term use. For example, it is possible to detect which part of the component parts such as the light guides 3 and 4 is defective or deteriorated. Thereby, it becomes possible to repair the site | part in which the malfunction has arisen, or to replace | exchange with a new member, and it will not use the solar cell module 1 in the state which the malfunction has arisen. For this reason, the fall of the light-incidence efficiency to the solar cell elements 5 and 6 is suppressed. Therefore, the solar cell module 1 which can suppress the fall of power generation efficiency can be provided.

In addition, since the shape light guide 3 is included, by using the light emitted from the light source 11 and propagating through the shape light guide 3 as reference light, the power generation amount generated by the solar cell element 5 is monitored. The state of the light guide of the shape light guide 3 (whether a defect such as a defect or deterioration has occurred in the shape light guide 3) can be confirmed. Therefore, the site | part in which the malfunction of the shape light guide 3 has arisen as needed can be repaired, or it can replace | exchange for the new shape light guide 3. FIG.

In addition, since the fluorescent light guide 4 is included, by using the light emitted from the light source 12 and propagating through the fluorescent light guide 4 as reference light, the power generation amount generated by the solar cell element 6 is monitored. It is possible to confirm the light guide state of the fluorescent light guide 4 (whether a defect such as a defect or deterioration has occurred in the phosphor dispersed inside). Therefore, the part where the defect of the fluorescent light guide 4 occurs can be repaired or replaced with a new fluorescent light guide 4 as necessary.

In addition, a plurality of phosphors having different absorption spectrum peak wavelengths (for example, the first phosphor 8a, the second phosphor 8b, and the third phosphor 8c) are dispersed inside the fluorescent light guide 4, so that the external Can be efficiently absorbed. For this reason, most of the light incident on the fluorescent light guide 4 can be contributed to the light emission of the fluorescent material.

In addition, since the light source 12 (first light source 12a) emits light having a wavelength that does not excite the phosphor, the light emitted from the light source 12a propagates inside the fluorescent light guide 4 without exciting the phosphor. Then, the light enters the solar cell element 6. That is, in the process in which the light emitted from the light source 12a propagates inside the fluorescent light guide 4, no fluorescent light is emitted from the fluorescent material. For this reason, by using the light emitted from the light source 12a as the reference light and monitoring the amount of power generated by the solar cell element 6, it is possible to detect a malfunction of only the solar cell element 6. Therefore, the site | part in which the malfunction of the solar cell element 6 has arisen as needed can be repaired, or it can replace | exchange for the new solar cell element 6. FIG.

In addition, since the light source 12 (second light source 12b) emits light having a wavelength that excites the phosphor, a part of the light emitted from the light source 12b is fluorescent in the process of propagating inside the fluorescent light guide 4. Absorbed by the body. The fluorescence emitted from the phosphor propagates inside the fluorescence light guide 4 and enters the solar cell element 6. For this reason, the light emitted from the light source 12b is used as reference light, and the amount of power generated by the solar cell element 6 is monitored, so that the fluorescence light guide 4 (phosphor dispersed inside) is defective or deteriorated. It is possible to detect whether or not a malfunction such as the above has occurred. Therefore, the part where the defect of the fluorescent light guide 4 occurs can be repaired or replaced with a new fluorescent light guide 4 as necessary.

The light source 11 is disposed on the second end surface 3d of the shape light guide 3 (the light source 12 is disposed on the second end surface 4d of the fluorescent light guide 4). 3 is disposed at a portion farthest from the first end face 3c. For this reason, the light emitted from the light source 11 can be propagated in a wide range inside the shape light guide 3. Therefore, the state of the light guide of the shape light guide 3 (whether the shape light guide 3 has defects such as defects or deterioration) can be confirmed over a wide range. On the other hand, when the light source 11 is arranged near the first end surface 3 c of the shape light guide 3, there is a range in which light emitted from the light source 11 propagates inside the shape light guide 3. The range in which the light guide state of the shape light guide 3 can be confirmed becomes narrow.

Further, since the first light source 11a constituting the light source 11 is a laser light source and the laser light is directly incident on the first end face 3c, the laser light is directly incident on the solar cell element 5. Therefore, it is possible to confirm whether or not a problem has occurred in the solar cell element 5 by monitoring the power generation amount of the solar cell element 5 by the irradiation of the laser light.

Further, the second light source 11b constituting the light source 11 is arranged so that light emitted from the second light source 11b is incident on the second main surface 3b, and the shape light guide 3 is formed by the second light source 11b. The light emitted from the first main surface 3b is totally reflected by the second main surface 3b, propagates, and is emitted from the first end surface 3c. Therefore, it is possible to confirm whether or not a defect has occurred in the shape light guide 3 by monitoring the power generation amount of the solar cell element 5 by this light irradiation.

Further, since the second light source 11b constituting the light source 11 emits light having a predetermined diffusion angle, it is possible to propagate the light emitted from the second light source 11b to the inside of the shape light guide 3 over a wide range. it can. Therefore, the state of the light guide of the shape light guide 3 (whether the shape light guide 3 has defects such as defects or deterioration) can be confirmed over a wide range.

In addition, since the imaging element 13 that images the first main surface 4a of the fluorescent light guide 4 is included, the degree of contamination of the first main surface 4a of the fluorescent light guide 4 can be monitored. Therefore, it can be confirmed whether or not the degree of contamination of the first main surface 4a of the fluorescent light guide 4 is a cause of the malfunction of the fluorescent light guide 4.

Further, since a plurality of light guides including the shape light guide 3 and the fluorescent light guide 4 are arranged in a stacked manner, it is possible to take in light that could not be taken in by one light guide by the other light guide. Become. Therefore, most of the light incident on the light guide can be contributed to the power generation of the solar cell element.

In this embodiment, the example in which the fluorescent light guide 4 and the shape light guide 3 are stacked in this order from the light incident side has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the shape light guide 3 and the fluorescent light guide 4 may be laminated in this order from the light incident side.

By arranging the fluorescent light guide 4 at a position farthest from the side on which the first light is incident from the outside among the plurality of light guides, strong external light is prevented from directly entering the fluorescent light guide 4. Can do. Therefore, the phosphor contained in the fluorescent light guide 4 is suppressed from being deteriorated by strong external light, and a stable power generation amount can be obtained over a long period of time.

In this case, it is desirable to provide a reflective layer for reflecting the fluorescence emitted from the phosphor on the end face other than the second end face 4d of the fluorescent light guide 4 and the first end face 4c of the fluorescent light guide 4. Thereby, the light incident on the fluorescent light guide 4 can be captured by the fluorescent light guide 4 without leakage. Therefore, most of the light incident on the fluorescent light guide 4 can be contributed to the light emission of the fluorescent material.

In the present embodiment, the solar cell module has been described with an example of a so-called tandem structure including both a fluorescent light guide and a shape light guide. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the solar cell module may include only the fluorescent light guide or only the shape light guide. That is, the tandem structure is not necessarily required.

9A to 11 are diagrams showing simulation results of light extraction efficiency in the shape light guide 3 and the fluorescent light guide 4. FIG.

FIG. 9A is a diagram showing the light extraction efficiency of the fluorescent light guide 4.

Assuming that the amount of light incident on the first main surface 4a of the fluorescent light guide 4 is 100%, light having a wavelength of 620 nm or less is included in the fluorescent light guide 4 among the light incident on the first main surface 4a. Almost all of the light is absorbed by the first phosphor 8a, the second phosphor 8b, and the third phosphor 8c. The proportion of light having a wavelength of 620 nm or less in the spectrum of sunlight is 48%. Therefore, the proportion of light absorbed by the first phosphor 8a, the second phosphor 8b, and the third phosphor 8c is 48% of the light incident on the first main surface 4a. 52% of the light that has not been absorbed by the first phosphor 8a, the second phosphor 8b, and the third phosphor 8c passes through the second main surface 4b and is emitted to the outside of the fluorescence light guide 4.

The fluorescence quantum yields of the first phosphor 8a, the second phosphor 8b, and the third phosphor 8c are all 92%. Therefore, 92% of the light absorbed by the first phosphor 8a, the second phosphor 8b, and the third phosphor 8c is converted into fluorescence. The fluorescence propagates through the fluorescent light guide 4 and is emitted from the first end face 4c. At this time, the ratio of the light leaking outside the fluorescent light guide 4 without being totally reflected by the first main surface 4a and the second main surface 4b due to the difference in refractive index between the fluorescent light guide 4 and the surrounding air layer is Since the loss of light when propagating inside the fluorescent light guide 4 is 25%, the ratio of the light emitted from the first end face 4c is 30% of the light incident on the first main surface 4a. Become.

FIG. 9B is a diagram showing the light extraction efficiency of the shape light guide 3.

A part of the light incident perpendicularly to the first main surface 3a of the shape light guide 3 is reflected by the inclined surface of the groove T provided on the second main surface 3b, and the first inside the shape light guide 3 It propagates toward the end face 3c.
The ratio of the light reflected by the inclined surface of the groove T is 40% of the light incident on the first main surface 3a. The remaining 60% of light passes through the second main surface 3b and is emitted to the outside of the shape light guide 3. A part of the light propagating in the shape light guide 3 is refracted on the inclined surface of the groove T on the way, and leaks out of the shape light guide 3 outside the total reflection condition. Therefore, the ratio of the light emitted from the first end surface 3c is 12% of the light incident on the first main surface 3a.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the light extraction efficiency when the fluorescent light guide 4 and the shape light guide 3 are stacked in this order from the light incident side.

The fluorescent light guide 4 converts 30% of the light incident on the first main surface 4a into fluorescence and emits it from the first end surface 4c, and 52% of the light incident on the first main surface 4a generates the second main surface. Inject from 4b. The shape light guide 3 emits 12% of the light incident perpendicularly to the first main surface 3a from the first end surface 3c. Therefore, the ratio of the light emitted from the first end surface 4 c of the fluorescent light guide 4 is 30% of the light incident on the first main surface 4 a of the fluorescent light guide 4. The ratio of the light emitted from the first end surface 3 c of the shape light guide 3 is 6% of the light incident on the first main surface 4 a of the fluorescent light guide 4. Then, 30% of the light incident on the first main surface 4a of the fluorescent light guide 4 reaches the first end surface 4c of the fluorescent light guide 4 and is generated by the solar cell element 6 having a conversion efficiency of 50%. Therefore, the power generation efficiency is 15%. Further, 6% of the light incident on the first main surface 4a of the fluorescent light guide 4 reaches the first end surface 3c of the shape light guide 3, and power is generated by the solar cell element 5 having a conversion efficiency of 40%. Therefore, the power generation efficiency is 2.4%. The total power generation efficiency so far is 17.4%. In addition, the light reflected by the reflective layers 7 and 9 can be reused, which improves the power generation efficiency by 1 to 2%, resulting in a power generation efficiency of about 19%.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the light extraction efficiency when the shape light guide 3 and the fluorescent light guide 4 are laminated in this order from the light incident side.

As described above, the shape light guide 3 emits 12% of the light incident perpendicularly to the first main surface 3a from the first end surface 3c, and 60% of the light incident perpendicularly to the first main surface 3a. It injects from the 2nd main surface 3b. The fluorescent light guide 4 converts 30% of the light incident on the first main surface 4a into fluorescence and emits the light from the first end surface 4c. Therefore, the ratio of the light emitted from the first end surface 3 c of the shape light guide 3 is 12% of the light incident on the first main surface 3 a of the shape light guide 3, and the first end surface of the fluorescence light guide 4. The ratio of the light emitted from 4c is 18% of the light incident on the first main surface 3a of the shape light guide 3. Then, 12% of the light incident on the first main surface 3a of the shape light guide 3 reaches the first end surface 3c of the shape light guide 3, and power is generated by the solar cell element 5 having a conversion efficiency of 40%. Therefore, the power generation efficiency is 4.8%. Further, 18% of the light incident on the first main surface 3a of the shape light guide 3 reaches the first end surface 4c of the fluorescent light guide 4 and is generated by the solar cell element 6 having a conversion efficiency of 50%. Therefore, the power generation efficiency is 9%. The total power generation efficiency so far is 13.8%. Furthermore, since the light reflected by the reflective layers 7 and 9 can be reused, the power generation efficiency is improved by 1 to 2%, and as a result, the power generation efficiency of about 15% is obtained.

From this simulation result, even when the arrangement positions of the shape light guide 3 and the fluorescent light guide 4 are stacked in any order in the solar cell module 1 according to this embodiment, the power generation efficiency (10 It was found that high power generation efficiency can be obtained compared to ~ 12%).

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram of the solar power generation device 120 of the second embodiment. In FIG. 12, the fluorescent light guide 4, the solar cell element 6, the light source 12, the image sensor 13, and the frame body 10 are omitted for convenience.

As shown in FIG. 12, the solar power generation device 120 includes a solar cell module 20, a power control device 21 (power conditioner), and a power distributor 22.
The power distributor 22 is electrically connected to an external electronic device (used device) 23 and the light source 11.

The basic configuration of the solar cell module 20 of this embodiment is the same as that of the solar cell module 1 of the first embodiment, and the first point is that the light source 11 emits the second light by the current generated by the solar cell element 5. Different from the solar cell module 1 of the embodiment. In FIG. 12, the same components as those in FIGS. 1 to 11 used in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

The power control device 21 is electrically connected to the solar cell element 5. The power control device 21 has a function of converting direct current generated by the solar cell element 5 into alternating current and further adjusting voltage, current, frequency, and the like. The power control device 21 adjusts the current generated by the solar cell element 5 so that it can be used by the external electronic device 23.

The power distributor 22 is electrically connected to the power control device 21, the light source 11, and the electronic device 23. The power distributor 22 has a function of distributing the current adjusted by the power control device 21. The power distributor 22 sends a part of the current adjusted by the power control device 21 to the electronic device 23 and sends the remaining part to the light source 11. The current used for the light source 11 is very small compared to the current generated by the solar cell element 5. For this reason, it is possible to monitor the solar cell module 20 by emitting the reference light as the second light from the light source 11 by distributing a small portion of the power generation amount of the solar cell element 5 to the light source 11. .

In the solar cell module 20 of the present embodiment, since the light source 11 emits the second light by the current generated by the solar cell element 5, there is no need to supply power from the outside, and the power supply device is separately and independently provided. There is no need to provide it. Therefore, the use cost and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

Since the solar power generation device 120 includes the above-described solar cell module according to the present invention, it is a solar power generation device with high power generation efficiency.

[Third embodiment]
FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram of the solar power generation device 130 of the third embodiment. In FIG. 13, the fluorescent light guide 4, the solar cell element 6, the light source 12, the image sensor 13, and the frame body 10 are omitted for convenience.

As shown in FIG. 13, the solar power generation device 130 includes a solar cell module 30, a power control device 21 (power conditioner), and a power distributor 22.

The basic configuration of the solar cell module 30 of the present embodiment is the same as that of the solar cell module 20 of the second embodiment, and the solar cell of the second embodiment is that it includes a storage battery 31 that stores the current generated by the solar cell element 5. Different from module 20. In FIG. 13, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in FIG. 12 used in the second embodiment, and description thereof is omitted.

The power distributor 22 is electrically connected to the power control device 21, the light source 11, the storage battery 31, and the electronic device 23. The power distributor 22 sends a part of the current adjusted by the power control device 21 to the electronic device 23 and sends the remaining part to the light source 11 and the storage battery 31.

The storage battery 31 is electrically connected to the power distributor 22 and the light source 11. The storage battery 31 has a function of storing a current generated by the solar cell element 5. The light source 11 emits the second light by the current stored in the storage battery 31.

Since the solar cell module 30 of this embodiment includes the storage battery 31, the second light can always be emitted from the light source 11. For example, when the amount of light incident on the shape light guide 3 is extremely small, such as at night or in fine weather, the current generated by the solar cell element 5 may be very small, and a sufficient amount of current may not be distributed to the light source 11. There is. However, since the storage battery 31 is provided in the present embodiment, the second light is emitted from the light source 11 by the current stored in the storage battery 31 even when the light incident on the shape light guide 3 is extremely small. Can be injected. Therefore, the solar cell module 30 can be monitored when necessary regardless of the weather.

[Fourth embodiment]
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the solar cell module 40 of the fourth embodiment.

The basic configuration of the solar cell module 40 of the present embodiment is the same as that of the solar cell module 1 of the first embodiment, and the light sources 41 and 42 and the image sensor 43 are detachable from the light guide unit 2. Is different from the solar cell module 1 of the first embodiment. In FIG. 14, the same components as those in FIGS. 1 to 11 used in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 14, the solar cell module 40 includes a light guide unit 2 formed by laminating a shape light guide 3 and a fluorescent light guide 4, a solar cell element 5, a solar cell element 6, and a light source. And a unit 45.

The light source unit 45 includes a light source 41, a light source 42, and an image sensor 43.
The light source unit 45 is detachable from the light guide unit 2. That is, by attaching the light source unit 45 to the light guide unit 2, the light source 41 is disposed so as to emit the second light toward the first end surface 3c while propagating through the inside of the shape light guide 3. 42 is disposed so as to emit the second light toward the first end face 4 c while propagating through the inside of the fluorescent light guide 4, and the imaging element 43 images the first main surface 3 a of the shape light guide 3. Are arranged as follows.

In the solar cell module 40 of the present embodiment, the light source unit 45 (the light sources 41 and 42 and the image sensor 43) can be attached to and detached from the light guide unit 2. Therefore, the solar cell module 40 can be monitored as necessary. It can be performed. Moreover, since it is not necessary to install the light source unit 45 in each light guide unit 2, manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[Fifth Embodiment]
FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view of the solar cell module 50 of the fifth embodiment. In addition, in FIG. 15, illustration of the shape light guide 3, the solar cell element 5, the light source 11, the image pick-up element 13, and the frame 10 is abbreviate | omitted for convenience.

The basic configuration of the solar cell module 50 of the present embodiment is the same as that of the solar cell module 1 of the first embodiment, and is different from the solar cell module 1 of the first embodiment in that a plurality of light sources 52 are arranged. In FIG. 15, the same components as those in FIGS. 1 to 11 used in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 15, the solar cell module 50 includes a fluorescent light guide 4, a plurality of light sources 52, and a solar cell element 6.

The plurality of light sources 52 are arranged on the end face other than the first end face 4 c of the fluorescent light guide 4. In the present embodiment, three light sources 52 are provided on the second end face 4d facing the first end face 4c, three on the third end face 4e adjacent to the second end face 4d, and a fourth end face 4f facing the third end face 4e. Nine, a total of nine. The number of light sources 52 arranged is not limited to nine, but may be 2 to 8, or 10 or more.

The light source 52 emits light having a wavelength that excites the phosphor (light having a wavelength within a wavelength range that excites the phosphor, for example, light having a wavelength of 620 nm or less). The light source 52 is a directional ultraviolet LED whose diffusion angle is within a predetermined diffusion angle range (for example, within 20 degrees).

A part of the light emitted from the light source 52 is absorbed by the phosphor in the process of propagating through the fluorescent light guide 4. The fluorescence emitted from the phosphor propagates inside the fluorescence light guide 4 and enters the solar cell element 6.

In the solar cell module 50 of the present embodiment, since the plurality of light sources 52 are provided, the light guide state of the fluorescent light guide 4 (whether the fluorescent material has defects such as defects or deterioration) is extensive. Can be confirmed. Therefore, the accuracy of monitoring the fluorescent light guide 4 can be increased. On the other hand, when only one light source 52 is used, ultraviolet light is absorbed by the phosphor in the process of propagating through the inside of the fluorescent light guide 4, and the intensity of the ultraviolet light is attenuated. It becomes difficult to confirm the state of the light guide in a wide range.

In addition, although this embodiment gave and demonstrated the example in which the some light source 52 was arrange | positioned at end surfaces other than the 1st end surface 4c of the fluorescence light guide 4, it is not restricted to this. For example, a plurality of light sources may be arranged on an end surface other than the first end surface 3 c of the shape light guide 3. Thereby, the state of the light guide of the shape light guide 3 can be confirmed in a wide range.

[Sixth Embodiment]
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the solar cell module 60 of the sixth embodiment. In addition, in FIG. 16, illustration of the shape light guide 3, the solar cell element 5, the light source 11, the image pick-up element 13, and the frame 10 is abbreviate | omitted for convenience.

The basic configuration of the solar cell module 60 of the present embodiment is the same as that of the solar cell module 1 of the first embodiment, and a light receiving element 61 that receives light emitted from the light source 12 is provided on the fluorescent light guide 4. The point is different from the solar cell module 1 of the first embodiment. In FIG. 16, the same components as those in FIGS. 1 to 11 used in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 16, the solar cell module 60 includes a fluorescent light guide 4, a light source 12, and a light receiving element 61.

In order to monitor the light guide state of the fluorescent light guide 4 (whether or not the phosphor is defective or deteriorated), the characteristics of the solar cell element 6 are preferably normal.
In the present embodiment, a light receiving element 61 is provided as a mechanism for monitoring the light guide state of the fluorescent light guide 4 separately from the solar cell element 6.

17A and 17B are diagrams showing the transmission characteristics of the fluorescent light guide 4. FIGS. 17A and 17B show changes in the spectrum of light emitted from the first end face of the fluorescent light guide 4 in which a plurality of fluorescent materials are dispersed (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as emission spectrum). In FIGS. 17A and 17B, the arrows indicate the degree of progress of phosphor degradation (a state in which phosphor degradation progresses as it approaches the tip of the arrow).
FIG. 17A is a diagram when the shape of the emission spectrum hardly changes. FIG. 17B is a diagram when the shape of the emission spectrum changes greatly. In this embodiment, that the shape of the emission spectrum does not change means that the position of the peak of the emission spectrum does not change.

As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the fluorescence light guide 4 has a reduced degree of absorption of phosphor light (wavelength of light that excites the phosphor) as the phosphor dispersed therein progresses. Light transmittance increases. As shown in FIG. 17A, although the shape of the emission spectrum hardly changes even when the phosphor deteriorates, the light transmittance increases in each wavelength region. As shown in FIG. 17B, the shape of the emission spectrum may change greatly as the phosphor deteriorates, but the light transmittance increases in the peak wavelength region. In both cases where the shape of the emission spectrum hardly changes and when the shape of the emission spectrum changes greatly, the degree of light absorption of the phosphor decreases as the phosphor deteriorates. That is, it is common that the light transmittance of the fluorescent light guide 4 is increased in both cases where the shape of the emission spectrum hardly changes and when the shape of the emission spectrum changes greatly. .

Returning to FIG. 16, the light receiving element 61 is disposed in a portion adjacent to the second end face 4 d of the second main surface 4 b of the fluorescent light guide 4. The light receiving element 61 is, for example, a photosensor, and is disposed with the light receiving surface facing the second main surface 4b.

The light source 12 is an LED that emits light having a high absorption rate of each of the RGB phosphors (typical absorption wavelengths of the RGB phosphors: about 580 nm, 450 nm, and 380 nm). The light source 12 is arranged so that light emitted from the light source 12 is directly incident on the light receiving element 61.

The light receiving surface of the light receiving element 61 is provided with a filter (not shown) that transmits only the light emitted from the light source 12. As a result, the light receiving element 61 senses only the light emitted from the light source 12. The light receiving element 61 monitors the degree of light absorption of the phosphor, not the light emission of the phosphor. By monitoring the change in the light transmittance of the fluorescent light guide 4 by the light receiving element 61, it is possible to confirm the deterioration of the fluorescent material.

Since the solar cell module 60 of the present embodiment includes the light receiving element 61, even if the characteristics of the solar cell element 6 are not normal, the light guide state of the fluorescent light guide 4 (the phosphor is defective or It is possible to reliably confirm whether or not a malfunction such as deterioration has occurred. Therefore, the monitoring reliability of the fluorescent light guide 4 can be improved.

[First Modification of Sixth Embodiment]
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a solar cell module 60A according to a first modification of the sixth embodiment. In addition, in FIG. 18, illustration of the shape light guide 3, the solar cell element 5, the light source 11, the image pick-up element 13, and the frame 10 is abbreviate | omitted for convenience.

The basic configuration of the solar cell module 60A of the present embodiment is the same as that of the solar cell module 60 of the sixth embodiment, and only the arrangement position of the light receiving element 61A is different from that of the solar cell module 60 of the sixth embodiment. 18, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component as FIG. 16 used in 6th Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

As shown in FIG. 18, the solar cell module 60A includes a fluorescent light guide 4, a light source 12, and a light receiving element 61A.

The light receiving element 61A is disposed on a part of the installation part of the solar cell element 6 (a part adjacent to the second main surface 4b in the first end surface 4c of the fluorescent light guide 4). The light receiving element 61A is, for example, a photosensor, and is disposed with the light receiving surface facing the first end surface 4c.

The light source 12 is an LED that emits light having a high absorption rate of each of the RGB phosphors (typical absorption wavelengths of the RGB phosphors: about 580 nm, 450 nm, and 380 nm). The light source 12 is disposed so that light emitted from the light source 12 enters the second main surface 4b. The light emitted from the light source 12 propagates through the fluorescent light guide 4 while repeating total reflection at the second main surface 4b and total reflection at the first main surface 4a, and enters the light receiving element 61A.

A filter (not shown) that transmits only the light emitted from the light source 12 is provided on the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 61A. Accordingly, the light receiving element 61A senses only the light emitted from the light source 12. The light receiving element 61A monitors the degree of light absorption of the phosphor, not the light emission of the phosphor. By monitoring the change in the light transmittance of the fluorescent light guide 4 by the light receiving element 61A, it is possible to confirm the deterioration of the fluorescent material.

Since the solar cell module 60A of the present modification also includes the light receiving element 61A, even if the characteristics of the solar cell element 6 are not normal, the light guide state of the fluorescent light guide 4 (defective phosphor) Whether or not there is a problem such as deterioration or deterioration). Therefore, the monitoring reliability of the fluorescent light guide 4 can be improved.

[Seventh embodiment]
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the solar cell module 70 of the seventh embodiment. In FIG. 19, the fluorescent light guide 4, the solar cell element 6, the light source 12, the image sensor 13, and the frame body 10 are omitted for convenience.

The basic configuration of the solar cell module 70 of the present embodiment is the same as that of the solar cell module 1 of the first embodiment, and is different from the solar cell module 1 of the first embodiment in that a light source 71 is rotatably provided. In FIG. 19, the same components as those in FIGS. 1 to 11 used in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 19, the solar cell module 70 includes a shape light guide 3, a light source 71, and a solar cell element 5.

The light source 11 is a laser light source that emits laser light (emission intensity peak: about 633 nm) as the second light. The light source 11 is rotatably provided so that the incident angle θ of the laser light emitted from the light source 11 to the shape light guide 3 changes.

For example, when the incident angle θ is set small (for example, approximately 0 degrees), the laser light emitted from the light source 11 is directly incident on the first end face 3c.

On the other hand, when the incident angle θ is set large (for example, approximately 20 degrees), the laser light emitted from the light source 11 enters the second main surface 3b. Light emitted from the light source 11 propagates through the shape light guide 3 while repeating total reflection on the second main surface 3 b and total reflection on the first main surface 3 a, and enters the solar cell element 5. .

In the solar cell module 70 of this embodiment, since the light source 71 is rotatably provided, the incident angle θ can be finely changed when monitoring the light guide state of the shape light guide 3. Therefore, it is possible to accurately analyze a defective part in the shape light guide 3.

The aspect of the present invention can be used for a solar cell module and a solar power generation device.

1, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 60A, 70 ... solar cell module, 3 ... shape light guide, 3a ... first main surface, 3b ... second main surface, 3c ... first end surface, 3d ... first 2 end surfaces, 4 ... fluorescent light guide, 4a ... first main surface, 4b ... second main surface, 4c ... first end surface, 4b ... second end surface, 5, 6 ... solar cell element, 7, 9 ... reflective layer 8a, 8b, 8c ... phosphor, 11, 12, 41, 42, 52, 71 ... light source, 13, 43 ... imaging device, 31 ... storage battery, 61, 61A ... light receiving device, 120, 130 ... solar power generation device , T1 ... inclined surface

Claims (22)

1. A light guide that propagates the first light incident from the first main surface to the first end surface;
   A solar cell element that receives the first light emitted from the first end face of the light guide and generates a current;
   A light source that emits second light propagating in the light guide toward the first end surface;
   Including solar cell module.
2. The light guide includes a shape light guide that reflects and propagates the first light incident from the first main surface by an inclined surface provided on the second main surface and emits the light from the first end surface. Item 2. The solar cell module according to Item 1.
3. The light guide includes a fluorescent light guide including a phosphor therein,
   The fluorescent light guide has a part of the first light incident from the first main surface absorbed by the fluorescent material, propagates the fluorescence emitted from the fluorescent material, and exits from the first end surface. Item 2. The solar cell module according to Item 1.
4. The solar cell module according to claim 3, wherein the fluorescent light guide includes a plurality of fluorescent materials having different absorption spectrum peak wavelengths as the fluorescent material.
5. The solar cell module according to claim 3, wherein the light source emits light having a wavelength that does not excite the phosphor.
6. The solar cell module according to claim 3, wherein the light source emits light having a wavelength that excites the phosphor.
7. 2. The solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein the light source is disposed on a second end surface facing the first end surface of the light guide.
8. 2. The solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein the light source is a laser light source that emits laser light as the second light, and is arranged so that the laser light is directly incident on the first end face.
9. The light source is a laser light source that emits laser light as the second light, and is disposed so that the laser light is incident on the second main surface,
   2. The solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein the light guide body causes the laser light emitted from the laser light source to be totally reflected by the second main surface and propagates to be emitted from the first end surface.
10. The solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein the light source emits light having a predetermined diffusion angle as the second light.
11. Furthermore, the solar cell module of Claim 1 containing the image pick-up element which images the 1st main surface of the said light guide.
12. The solar cell module according to claim 11, wherein the imaging element is detachable from the light guide.
13. The light guide includes a plurality of light guides,
    The plurality of light guides are stacked so that the first main surface and the second main surface face each other and are arranged so that the first end surfaces face the same direction.
    In the plurality of light guides, the first light incident from the first main surface is reflected and propagated by an inclined surface provided on a second main surface different from the first main surface, and the first light is transmitted. A shape light guide that exits from the end face and a phosphor, a part of the first light incident from the first main surface is absorbed by the phosphor, and the fluorescence emitted from the phosphor is propagated The solar cell module according to claim 1, further comprising a fluorescent light guide emitted from the first end face.
14. The solar cell module according to claim 13, wherein the light guide disposed at a position farthest from the side on which the first light is incident from the outside among the plurality of light guides is the fluorescent light guide.
15. The reflective layer which reflects the fluorescence radiated | emitted from the said fluorescent substance is provided in end surfaces other than the said 1st end surface of the said 2nd main surface of the said fluorescent light guide, and the said fluorescent light guide. Solar cell module.
16. The solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein the light source emits the second light by a current generated by the solar cell element.
17. Further, the battery includes a storage battery that stores current generated by the solar cell element,
    The solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein the light source emits the second light by a current stored in the storage battery.
18. The solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein the light source is detachable from the light guide.
19. The solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the light sources are arranged on an end face other than the first end face of the light guide.
20. The solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein the light guide is provided with a light receiving element that receives the second light emitted from the light source.
21. The solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein the light source is rotatably provided so that an incident angle of the second light emitted from the light source to the light guide body is changed.
22. A solar power generation apparatus comprising the solar cell module according to claim 1.

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