Sunlight energy conversion

Citation

Hollingum, J. (2001), "Sunlight energy conversion", Sensor Review, Vol. 21 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2001.08721bad.010

Sunlight energy conversion

Sunlight energy conversion

Keywords: Energy, Photoelectric sensors

Applicant: K.K. Canon (JP)Patent number: EP0789404Publication date: 13 August 1997Title: Sunlight energy conversion apparatus, and air circulation system

The invention provides a sunlight energy conversion apparatus comprising a photoelectric transducer comprising a non-single crystal semiconductor and means for supplying heat to the photoelectric transducer through a flowing heating medium. The apparatus thus constituted enables easy temperature control of the photoelectric transducer. In particular, it can prevent a lowering of temperature of the transducer and also prevent its deterioration by light. The invention also provides an air circulation system comprising a heat collector panel comprising an open-air intake, an indoor-air intake, a valve for selecting either the open-air intake or the indoor-air intake, an air flow path, an air outlet, and a solar cell; a first duct through which the air taken out of the air outlet is guided indoors, a second duct through which the air taken out of the air outlet is discharged outdoors, a valve for selecting either the first duct or the second duct, and a fan for allowing the air taken through the air outlet to flow, wherein the fan is supplied with electric power generated by the solar cell. Thus, an air circulation system that can be self-driven can be provided. This air circulation system can prevent photodeterioration of the solar cell and can utilize heat of sunlight. The invention still also provides a method of controlling the temperature of a photoelectric transducer, which comprises allowing air to flow through an air flow path provided on the back of the photoelectric transducer comprising a non-single crystal semiconductor, thereby controlling the temperature of the photoelectric transducer.