Matching Implementation of the PV cells with the product functionality

In comparing how an idea is implemented one can determine whether it could be called a mature design. For example the batteries of the consumer products like Cellular Phones,

CD player and PDAs can be recharged directly during the time they lie idle by PV modules.

In Figure 5 on the left, the PV module is placed directly on the battery. This PV battery replaces the normal battery at the bottom or backside of a cellular phone. The idea is innovative but the implementation is not quite mature. Although the PV batteries have a cool appearance and can be delivered in a variety of colours, the utilisation as battery is not convenient and not optimal from light energy conversion efficiency point of view. For instance the battery is placed at the bottom of the cellular phone which means that in normal use the buttons are facing upwards and the PV module downwards not facing the light. In other words attached to the cellular phone the PV module simply does not function. Another disadvantage of this implementation at the bottom location is that the surface is easily scratched, reducing the transparency of the sensitive surface and reducing therefore the PV functionality.

Figure 5: PV batteries on the back or bottom side of cellular phones and on the cover of

In Figure 5 on the right more mature designs are presented. Here the PV module is placed on the top-cover. These top-covers might even be designed with a curved surface [Luther, 2003]

PDAs

2.4 Applications and Design Cases Figure 6: Solar

Recharge point

2.4.1 The Solar Powered Recharge Point A novel recharge station for electrical vehicles was designed in the framework of a master thesis project [van Beers, 2002]. The storage capacity of various storage media and PV cells have
been analysed including the environmental impact of this recharge station. The synergy of wavelike roof which functions both as sunshade or shelter and as holder of PV panels has been demonstrated, see figure 6 and section 3.1. By introducing curved solar panels, the aesthetics is enhanced and the movement of mobility is stressed. The movement is even more emphasized by the ‘random arrangement’ of the PV cells in the panels.