Utilizing a transparent “ball lens” to concentrate light into the form of a beam of energy could increase the efficiency of solar power by as much as 50 percent.
Six years ago, the futurist Ray Kurzweil predicted within 20 years, the technology for solar energy would be advanced to the point that it could provide all of the world’s energy requirements. The optimistic prediction was not too far-fetched given how much energy Earth receives in just a single hour could suffice to power humans for the entire year. However, even the most enthusiastic supporters are unwilling to support this once-promising image of the future.
Making the most of the sun’s enormous potential is a wildly unpredictable venture. Certain countries are blessed to enjoy plenty of sunlight throughout the year. At the same time, severe weather also disperses the light and reduces the power available to the solar systems that harvest energy below. Furthermore, the maximum conversion efficiency theoretically achievable for conventional photovoltaic devices made of silicon is around 33.7 percent, meaning the 33.7 percent of sunlight that hits the cell can be converted to electricity. In other words, the most effective method to generate solar power is currently costly to rival.
German designer Andre Broessel, who’s contemplated for a long time about the shortcomings and claims to have invented an experimental device to circumvent the bottlenecks. The basic idea behind his Betaray concept isn’t an outright departure from other panels available since it uses solar cells to capture sunlight. The energy is delivered as an energy-dense beam concentrated as high as 10,000 times. Over the tiny collection of solar cells, there’s a giant glass orb containing water, which functions like a magnifying glass in focusing light visible in circumstances that aren’t ideal, such as clouds or the only source of light source is low-intensity light that is reflected by the moon.
Broessel says that the apparent “ball lens” helps improve efficiency by 50% annually, and all use a cell arrangement that is less than 25 % of silicon cells used in most systems. “Most of the expensive aspects of solar systems come from the production of cells, which also leads to a high carbon footprint,” Broessel states. “And when there’s lousy weather, the production is equivalent to peanuts, even when they’re in perfect position.”
The Betaray uses what Broessel describes as a dual-axis tracker feature to track the continuously shifting position of the sun and adjust in accordance to maximize the input. In contrast to systems equipped with solar trackers that are computerized, which is typically used on large solar farms, prototypes Broessel has created can be used indoors. They could be retrofitted on the walls of a structure to replace windows because they are transparent to 99 percent.
The device works with the full range of solar cell technologies. However, it could be especially suitable with high-efficiency triple-junction solar cells, which may require concentrator lenses to operate. The most advanced models offer a 43 percent conversion efficiency and an estimated 70% or more efficiency. Broessel states that internal tests have proven that the most current Betaray model can produce around 150 watts per square centimeter when it is parallel to the sun. This is in line with the highest-efficiency PV systems there.
Juris Kalejs, chief technology officer at solar systems developer American Capital Energy, acknowledges that Broessel’s concept does confer some advantages–especially for consumers looking for simpler, more versatile alternatives–but expressed some skepticism. “It’s a very tricky system to make,” the engineer explained to Discovery News, “and you need to make it on a large scale to make it cost-effective.”
Broessel disagrees and claims that Betaray is cost-effective in the context of the entire cost of not just the production costs but also the projected savings on owner’s power bills over the long term. Broessel points out that, for example, making the device is a process that requires “fundamental materials,” such as glass and water, which are less expensive than the production of photovoltaic cells.
“You can optimize the conversion of light into energy all year round, even in bad weather,” he declares. “It’s not unrealistic to think that in a year, it can double your energy yield.”
In the meantime, he hopes to raise funds via the sale of an unidentified “gadget” still under development. He hopes to have enough money in three years to start production on his Spherical Solar Energy Generator. It’s a challenging goal, the inventor has discovered.
“All of Europe knows about my project,” Broessel declares. “I have a month to pay for the patent rights, otherwise it will become open source. And by then, everyone will know about it.”