A selective metal plating apparatus for back contact solar cells

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of selective metal plating equipment for back contact solar cell piece, comprising: transmission plating mechanism, transmission plating mechanism can transmit cell piece, and in the process of transmission cell piece, can selectively plate P area and N area of the back of cell piece;Transmission plating mechanism includes multiple anode assemblies and multiple cathode assemblies, multiple anode assemblies and multiple cathode assemblies are alternately arranged in the transmission direction of cell piece;Illumination mechanism, illumination mechanism is set in the upper of transmission plating mechanism, illumination mechanism can irradiate the front of cell piece, promote photochemical reaction of photosensitive material in N area. By the setting of illumination mechanism, the front of cell piece can be irradiated, to promote photochemical reaction of photosensitive material in N area. In the plating process, selectively deposit in N area, realize the selective deposition to the back of back contact cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of photovoltaic cell technology, and specifically relates to a selective metal electroplating device for back contact solar cells. Background Technology

[0002] Back-contact cells (BC cells) are an innovative solar cell design that integrates both the positive and negative electrodes on the back of the cell. This design eliminates the light-blocking effect of the metal grid lines on the front of traditional cells, thereby maximizing the light absorption area and improving photoelectric conversion efficiency.

[0003] In existing BC battery manufacturing methods, achieving efficient and precise selective electroplating has always been a challenge. Traditional methods often rely on complex masking processes to achieve selective electroplating, increasing production costs and complexity. Therefore, developing a novel BC battery electroplating equipment that significantly improves electroplating efficiency and quality through innovative design is of significant practical importance. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a selective metal electroplating device for back-contact solar cells, enabling selective electroplating of the P-region and N-region on the back side of the back-contact cell.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is: a selective metal electroplating device for back-contact solar cells, comprising:

[0006] A transfer electroplating mechanism is capable of transferring battery cells and selectively electroplating the P-region and N-region on the back of the battery cells during the transfer process.

[0007] The electroplating transfer mechanism includes multiple anode components and multiple cathode components, which are alternately arranged in the transfer direction of the battery cells. The cathode and anode components move the battery cells during rotation, transporting the battery cells from the inlet of the electroplating equipment to the outlet of the electroplating equipment.

[0008] An illumination mechanism is provided above the electroplating mechanism. The illumination mechanism can illuminate the front side of the battery cell and promote the photochemical reaction of the photosensitive material in the N region.

[0009] By illuminating the front side of the solar cell, the photosensitive material can be promoted to undergo a photochemical reaction in the N-region. This allows for selective deposition in the N-region during electroplating, achieving selective deposition on the back side of the back-contact solar cell.

[0010] Furthermore, the anode assembly includes a chamber and an anode roller. The chamber is filled with an electrolyte solution, and the anode roller is immersed in the electrolyte solution. Each anode roller is located in a separate chamber, achieving zoned isolation of the electrolyte solution and ensuring that the electrolyte solutions do not mix, thus maintaining the selectivity and purity of the electroplating.

[0011] Furthermore, the anode assembly also includes a separator membrane, which is an annular tubular structure fitted onto the anode roller, with a gap between the separator membrane and the anode roller. The separator membrane, as a separating device, allows specific ions to pass through, successfully achieving selective electroplating of BC solar cells, significantly improving electroplating quality and efficiency, and has broad application prospects.

[0012] Furthermore, foam is provided on the outer side of the isolation membrane. The foam has good cushioning properties, which can protect the electrode surface during electroplating, reduce mechanical damage, and promote the uniform distribution of the electroplating solution, reducing bubbles and eddies in the electroplating solution, thereby improving electroplating efficiency.

[0013] Furthermore, the cathode assembly includes a cathode roller, which is connected to the cathode of the power supply. A conductive element is sleeved on the cathode roller, and the conductive element is in communication with the cathode roller. During the process of the cathode assembly transferring the battery cell, the conductive element and the battery cell come into contact.

[0014] Furthermore, the diameter of the cathode roller is 22-30 mm.

[0015] Furthermore, the conductive element is made of metal or conductive fiber.

[0016] Furthermore, a clamping roller is provided above the cathode assembly, and a gap is left between the clamping roller and the cathode assembly located below it, the width of which is no greater than the thickness of the battery cell.

[0017] Furthermore, the illumination mechanism includes multiple light sources arranged in the direction of battery cell transmission.

[0018] Furthermore, it also includes a control system, which is electrically connected to the electroplating transfer mechanism. The control system includes a data recording and analysis system. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The illustrative embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention.

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an electroplating device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an electroplating device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the microstructure of region P in Example 1;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the microstructure of the N region in Example 1.

[0026] In the diagram: 1. Battery cell; 2. Illumination mechanism; 3. Electroplating transfer mechanism; 31. Power supply; 32. Cathode assembly; 321. Cathode roller; 322. Conductive component; 33. Anode assembly; 331. Chamber; 332. Anode roller; 333. Separator; 334. Foam; 34. Clamping roller. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a full understanding of this utility model. However, this utility model can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this utility model. Therefore, this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0028] See appendix Figures 1-3 As shown in this embodiment, a selective metal plating apparatus for back-contact solar cells includes a transfer plating mechanism 3 and an illumination mechanism 2. The transfer plating mechanism 3 supports and moves the solar cell 1, and performs plating on the solar cell 1 during the movement of the solar cell 1. The illumination mechanism 2 is located directly above the transfer plating mechanism 3 and is used to illuminate the solar cell 1, causing the solar cell 1 to generate a photoelectric effect, thereby achieving selective plating of the P-terminal and N-terminal on the back of the solar cell.

[0029] In some embodiments, the transfer electroplating mechanism 3 includes an anode assembly 33 and a cathode assembly 32. Multiple sets of anode assemblies 33 and cathode assemblies 32 are provided and are alternately arranged in the transfer direction of the battery cell 1. The cathode assembly 32 and anode assembly 33 move the battery cell 1 during rotation, transporting the battery cell 1 from the inlet of the electroplating equipment to the outlet of the electroplating equipment.

[0030] In some embodiments, the cathode assembly 32 and the cathode of the power supply 31 are connected. The cathode assembly 32 includes a cathode roller 321 with a diameter of 22-30 mm. A conductive element 322 is sleeved on the cathode roller 321, and the conductive element 322 abuts against the cathode roller 321. The cathode roller 321 is connected to the cathode of the power supply 31, so that the conductive element 322 carries a negative charge and becomes the cathode of the electroplating system. During the transfer of the battery cell 1 by the cathode assembly 32, the conductive element 322 contacts the battery cell 1, so that the battery cell 1 is located at the negative electrode, and electroplating is performed on the battery cell 1. The conductive element 322 can be a conductive metal layer or conductive fiber. The conductive fiber is selected from one or more of stainless steel, nickel, titanium, tungsten, graphite, and copper alloy. It has good conductivity and can carry the large current during electroplating. Furthermore, the surface of the conductive fiber is soft and will not damage the battery cell 1.

[0031] In some embodiments, the upper surfaces of the multiple sets of cathode assemblies 32 and the battery cell 1 are at the same horizontal height, ensuring that the battery cell 1 moves smoothly in the horizontal direction.

[0032] In some embodiments, a clamping roller 34 is provided above the cathode assembly 32, and a gap is left between the clamping roller 34 and the cathode assembly 32 located below it. The width of the gap is not greater than the thickness of the battery cell 1. The clamping roller 34 and the cathode assembly 32 can clamp the battery cell 1 during the transmission process, thereby improving the stability of the battery cell 1 during transportation.

[0033] In some embodiments, the anode assembly 33 further includes a chamber 331 filled with an electrolyte solution. An anode roller 332 is disposed within the chamber 331 and immersed in the electrolyte solution. The anode assembly 33 also includes a separating membrane 333, which is an annular tubular structure and sleeved on the anode roller 332. The anode roller 332 is connected to the positive terminal of the power supply 31, enabling the anode roller 332 to function as the anode for electroplating.

[0034] In some embodiments, foam 334 is provided on the outer side of the separator 333. Foam 334 has good cushioning properties, which can protect the electrode surface during electroplating, reduce mechanical damage to the surface of the battery cell, and promote the uniform distribution of the electroplating solution, reduce bubbles and eddies in the electroplating solution, thereby improving electroplating efficiency.

[0035] In some embodiments, the illumination mechanism 2 includes multiple light sources arranged in the direction of cell 1 transport. During cell 1 transport, these light sources illuminate the front side of the cell 1 to promote a photochemical reaction of the photosensitive material in the N-region. This step is crucial for forming a conductive path, enabling selective deposition in specific areas during subsequent electroplating. Specifically, after the photoelectric reaction, electroplating occurs in the N-region on the back side of the cell during transport, while no electroplating occurs in the P-region, achieving selective electroplating of the back electrode of the back-contact battery.

[0036] In some embodiments, a control system is also included, which regulates the current density, voltage, and flow of the electrolyte solution to improve the electroplating effect. This is suitable for selective electroplating of nickel or copper.

[0037] Solar cell electroplating process:

[0038] Step 1. Preparation

[0039] Cell Placement: First, the BC solar cells are placed on a chain- or roller-based transport base. This transport base is located at the inlet of the electroplating equipment. This design allows for the automated and continuous processing of multiple cells, improving production efficiency.

[0040] Anode and cathode assembly arrangement: Ensure that the cathode and anode assemblies are correctly arranged on the back of the solar cells. The anode assembly consists of multiple independent chambers, each filled with an electrolyte solution.

[0041] Step 2. Pretreatment before electroplating

[0042] Photosensitive material excitation: The front side of the solar cell is irradiated with a light source system (such as an ultraviolet light source with a wavelength of 300-400 nm) to promote photochemical reactions of the photosensitive material in the N-region. This step is crucial for the formation of conductive pathways, allowing subsequent electroplating processes to selectively deposit in specific areas.

[0043] Cleaning: In some cases, it may be necessary to pre-clean the surface of the solar cells to remove any impurities or residues, ensuring that the photosensitive material can be evenly distributed and effectively activated.

[0044] Step 3. Selective electroplating

[0045] Parameter adjustment: The control system precisely regulates the current density, voltage, and electrolyte solution flow. The control system includes a power supply and a data recording and analysis system to monitor and record various parameters during the electroplating process, ensuring consistency and repeatability of the electroplating.

[0046] Electroplating process:

[0047] ① N-zone electroplating: First, adjust the control system so that nickel or copper ions are preferentially deposited in the N-zone due to the photoelectric effect, thereby achieving selective electroplating.

[0048] ②P-zone electroplating: After N-zone electroplating is completed, the illumination mechanism is turned off, allowing nickel or copper ions to deposit in the P-zone. Multiple chambers ensure that the electrolyte solutions do not mix, maintaining the selectivity and purity of the electroplating.

[0049] Step 4. Cleaning and Development

[0050] Cleaning Unit: The cleaning unit removes residual photosensitive materials and other impurities from the surface of the solar cells. This step is crucial for ensuring the quality and adhesion of the electroplated layer. Typically, deionized water or other suitable solvents are used to enhance the cleaning process.

[0051] Example 1: Selective Electroplating Experiment of BC Solar Cells

[0052] Objective: To achieve high-quality selective electroplating in the N and P regions of BC solar cells, respectively, and to verify the effectiveness and reliability of the equipment.

[0053] step:

[0054] 1. Preparation stage:

[0055] Secure the BC solar cell using the transfer base, ensuring that the cathode and anode assemblies are located on the back of the solar cell.

[0056] Check whether the electrolyte solution in each anode chamber is sufficient and meets the requirements (e.g., a solution containing nickel or copper ions with a concentration of 0.1-1.5 mol / L and a pH value of 3.5-5.0).

[0057] 2. Photoinduced reaction:

[0058] Turn on the light source system and irradiate the front of the battery cell with ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 300-400nm for about 5 minutes to induce the photosensitive material to react in the N region and form a conductive path.

[0059] 3. Selective electroplating:

[0060] Adjust the control system settings, first perform electroplating on the N-zone, and set an appropriate current density and voltage (e.g., current density of 0.2 A / dm²). 2 (Voltage is 2V), and the duration depends on the required coating thickness (e.g., 10 minutes).

[0061] Next, adjust the anode chamber state and switch to P-zone electroplating, again setting appropriate parameters (e.g., current density of 0.25 A / dm³). 2 The voltage is 2.5V, and the duration can be adjusted according to the needs (e.g., 15 minutes).

[0062] 4. Cleaning and Inspection:

[0063] After electroplating, a cleaning unit is used to thoroughly remove any remaining photosensitive material and electrolyte residue from the surface of the battery cells.

[0064] Compare the performance changes of the solar cells before and after electroplating, and observe the microstructure of the electroplated layer using microscopic images. (See Appendix) Figure 4 and attached Figure 5 .

[0065] Results: Experiments show that high-quality selective electroplating was achieved in both the N and P regions, producing uniform and strongly adherent plating layers for both nickel and copper plating. Furthermore, optimizing plating parameters can further improve plating quality and efficiency. This innovative equipment achieves selective electroplating of BC solar cells, significantly improving plating quality and efficiency, and has broad application prospects.

[0066] The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of this utility model. Their purpose is to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of this utility model and implement it. They cannot be used to limit the protection scope of this utility model. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of this utility model should be covered within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A selective metal electroplating apparatus for back-contact solar cells, characterized in that, include: The transfer electroplating mechanism (3) can transfer the battery cell (1) and selectively electroplat the P and N regions on the back of the battery cell (1) during the transfer process. The electroplating transfer mechanism (3) includes multiple anode components (33) and multiple cathode components (32). The multiple anode components (33) and multiple cathode components (32) are alternately arranged in the transfer direction of the battery cell (1). The cathode components (32) and the anode components (33) can move the battery cell (1) during rotation, transporting the battery cell (1) from the inlet of the electroplating equipment to the outlet of the electroplating equipment. Illumination mechanism (2) is disposed above the electroplating mechanism (3) and can illuminate the front side of the battery cell (1).

2. The selective metal electroplating apparatus for back-contact solar cells according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anode assembly (33) includes a chamber (331) and an anode roller (332), wherein the chamber (331) is filled with an electrolyte solution and the anode roller (332) is immersed in the electrolyte solution.

3. The selective metal electroplating apparatus for back-contact solar cells according to claim 2, characterized in that, The anode assembly (33) also includes a separator (333), which is an annular tubular structure and is sleeved on the anode roller (332).

4. The selective metal plating apparatus for back-contact solar cells according to claim 3, characterized in that, Foam is provided on the outside of the isolation membrane (333).

5. The selective metal electroplating apparatus for back-contact solar cells according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cathode assembly (32) includes a cathode roller (321), which is connected to the cathode of the power supply (31). A conductive element (322) is sleeved on the cathode roller (321), and the conductive element (322) is connected to the cathode roller (321). During the process of the cathode assembly (32) transmitting the battery cell (1), the conductive element (322) and the battery cell (1) come into contact.

6. The selective metal plating apparatus for back-contact solar cells according to claim 5, characterized in that, The diameter of the cathode roller (321) is 22-30 mm.

7. The selective metal electroplating apparatus for back-contact solar cells according to claim 5, characterized in that, The conductive element (322) is made of metal.

8. The selective metal plating apparatus for back-contact solar cells according to claim 1, characterized in that, A clamping roller (34) is provided above the cathode assembly (32), and a gap is left between the clamping roller (34) and the cathode assembly (32) located below it. The width of the gap is not greater than the thickness of the battery cell (1).

9. The selective metal plating apparatus for back-contact solar cells according to claim 1, characterized in that, The illumination mechanism (2) includes a light source, and multiple light sources are arranged sequentially in the direction of transmission of the battery cell (1).

10. The selective metal plating apparatus for back-contact solar cells according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a control system, which is electrically connected to the electroplating transfer mechanism (3), and the control system includes a data recording and analysis system.

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