Power accumulator device and method of forming a power accumulator device

Abstract

A power accumulator device, e.g. solar module, including a substrate extending in a first direction and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and comprising: a first cell 208 hav

Description

[0002] In certain known examples, grooved substrates have been developed for two-terminal devices, in particular, power accumulator devices such as optoelectronic devices or photovoltaic cell devices. Such grooved substrates provide a number of series of grooves, also known as cells. Each groove within a series of grooves, or cell, being connected in series, and each series of grooves being connected in parallel or in series to one another.

[0003] Adjacent series of grooves are spaced apart in machine direction of the substrate. That is, adjacent series of grooves are arranged along the substrate in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the grooves themselves. Adjacent series of grooves, that is adjacent cells, are electrically isolated from one another by a delineation feature, such as a channel. The delineation feature typically transects, or intersects, one or more grooves of a first series of grooves at one end of the delineation feature, and one or more grooves of a second series of grooves at the other end of the delineation feature. In this way, once the grooves are coated and filled with appropriate materials to form a two-terminal device, the grooves within a cell are electrically connected in series across the surface of the substrate. If the cell provides electrical power, for example if it is a photovoltaic cell, electrical connectivity of grooves in series provides voltage addition of the power from individual grooves, also known as voltage accumulation, across the machine direction of the substrate. Thus, by altering the number of grooves m a series of grooves, the output voltage of the two-terminal device can be controlled.

[0004] Likewise, a two-terminal device that provides electrical power and which is formed of modules of cells electrically connected in series will sum the voltage of the respective cells. Modules of cells that are electrically connected in series provide an associated increase in allowable resistance across the module. In this way, the performance loss of the device, that is percentage loss of electrical charge due to resistance in extracting charge from a module, compromises the overall efficiency of the cells. Furthermore, in a two-terminal device with grooves that are photovoltaic cells, the resultant inefficiency in extracting charge is magnified by increasing the groove length, which will make the two-terminal device unviable.

[0005] It is a general requirement of two-terminal devices with grooved substrates to provide the functional grooves on as large an area of the substrate surface as possible because the efficiency of the two-terminal device is maximised if functional grooves occupy a maximal area of the surface. In this way, it is desirable in known two-terminal devices to provide cells with grooves having a maximal groove length, typically a groove length corresponding to substantially the whole width of the substrate, save for module terminals provided at the substrate edge. Thus, module terminals to extract electrical charge are typically arranged at opposing substrate edges, thereby allowing grooves to extend substantially from a first edge to a second edge of the substrate surface.

[0006] Referring now to FIG. 1A, there is shown a known example of a two-terminal 102 with a first cell of grooves 110a spaced apart from a second cell of grooves 110b along a first direction 130 of a substrate 104. The first direction 130 is a web direction. The device includes a first module terminal 120 and a second module terminal 122, each module terminal being formed towards or at opposing edges of the substrate 104 across a transverse direction, that is transverse to the web direction. Each module terminal is in electrical communication with the first cell and the second cell. Apertures 124 are provided through the substrate from its first planar surface to its opposing second planar surface, to assist with electrical charge extraction. Nevertheless, the devices rely on extracting electrical charge from cells spaced apart along the web direction towards terminals at the transverse edges of the substrate.

[0007] Known two-terminal devices, such as power accumulator devices, with grooved substrates are difficult to manufacture reliably due to the intricate arrangements of their grooves, delineation features, connector elements, and terminals. Consequently, fabrication is slow, causing increased manufacturing costs. The produced two-terminal devices are also prone to defects leading to high quantities of rejects, further increasing costs.

[0008] Known two-terminal devices, such as power accumulator devices, that are formed on grooved substrates are manufactured by coating the whole first planar surface in a second direction , to provide off axis deposition of different materials on each face of the grooves. Accordingly, it is only cost-effective to provide module terminals on a substrate using regions of coated material at opposing edges across the substrate.

[0009] A known problem two-terminal devices in which elongate grooves are transected is that each transected groove end portion is prone to ingress of the conductor material during coating because the transected surface is exposed. Ingress of conductor material creates conductive pathways between successive elongate grooves causing short circuits therebetween. In particular, in two-terminal devices in which elongate grooves are transected at an angle away from the perpendicular then the transected elongate grooves are not aligned with the direction of movement of the substrate when it is coated using off-axis coating techniques. The transected surface is particularly exposed and prone to ingress of materials coated onto the substrate.

[0010] It would be useful to provide a power accumulator device on a substrate that is manufacturable at lower cost. It would also be useful to provide a power accumulator device which provides flexibility in the design and location of module terminals for extracting electrical charge from the power accumulator device.

[0011] It would be useful to provide a power accumulator module that allows electrical charge to be extracted efficiently. In particular, it would be useful to minimise or reduce losses in conducting charge across a substrate surface.

[0012] It would also be useful to provide a power accumulator module that can be electrically connected in an efficient manner to other power accumulator modules in a power accumulator device. In particular, it would be useful to electrically connect a number of power accumulator modules in parallel in an efficient manner.

[0013] It would be useful to provide a method of manufacturing power accumulator modules that prevents or mitigates short circuits.

[0014] It would be useful to provide a substrate with power accumulator modules provided thereon that can be adapted to any length of substrate. That is, it would be useful to provide power accumulator modules on a substrate so that the substrate can be adapted to any useful length or width. In particular, it would be useful to provide a substrate with power accumulator modules provided thereon that is formed a bulk roll of substrate. Electrical connectivity between power accumulator modules on the substrate thus provides flexibility to fabricate two-terminal devices from portions of the substrate in a range of widths and lengths. BRIEF SUMMARY

[0015] As used herein, a two-terminal device is an electrical component having two terminals, that is, a first terminal and a second terminal. A two-terminal device may be a power accumulator device that stores and / or generates electrical power. Such a power accumulator devices include an optoelectronic device, a photovoltaic device, or an energy storage device such as a capacitor device. As will be recognised by those skilled in the art, these are simply non-exhaustive examples of two-terminal devices.

[0016] As used herein, an optoelectronic device is a device that converts light energy into electrical energy and / or that converts electrical energy into light energy. The term light energy is used generally to define any wavelength of light within the electromagnetic spectrum. In some examples, the light energy may include UV light, visible light and / or infrared light. In some examples, the light energy may include electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from lOnm to 10mm. In some examples, an optoelectronic may be otherwise known as a photovoltaic device. Typically, light used in optoelectronics is sunlight, and therefore photovoltaic is often referred to as solar photovoltaic. It is known to use semiconductors as the two materials. The semiconductor materials are used exhibit a photovoltaic effect.

[0017] As used herein, a terminal is an area, region or portion of a substrate surface that allows the ingress or egress of electrical charge to, or from, the respective electrical component. The “terminal” is an area, region or portion of an electrical component provided on or in the substrate to enable electrical connections to opposing poles.

[0018] As used herein, a power accumulator module may include cells provided on a surface of the substrate, the cells each containing at least one series of elongate grooves. Each elongate groove of a series has a groove length in the first direction of the substrate, wherein the groove length is the distance across the surface between a proximal end portion of the elongate groove and a distal end portion of the elongate groove. In certain examples, one or more cells may be spaced apart from one another in the first direction of the substrate.

[0019] As used herein, a direction is used to indicate an orientation or axis that is: on, along, or across, a surface of a substrate. Typically, a direction may be an orientation or axis from one side of a substrate towards another side. For series of elongate grooves of adjacent cells spaced apart in the first direction, the respective proximal end portions of the grooves of each series are those end portions proximal to a first edge region of the substrate, the context of which is to be understood from the associated description. Likewise, the respective distal end portions of the grooves of each series are those end portions distal to the first edge region of the substrate. Thus, by way of the example shown in FIG. 2A, traversing along the first direction, the substrate includes: a first edge region, a first proximal end portion of a first cell, a first distal end portion of the first cell, a connector element, a second proximal end portion of a second cell, a second distal end portion of the second cell, then a second edge region.

[0020] As used herein, a delineation angle is the angle on the substrate between the elongate grooves of a cell and a respective delineation feature, measured at the region of the elongate grooves internal to the transected series of elongate grooves. In this way, the delineation angle is measured as the angle formed by the delineation feature and elongate grooves within the region of cell terminal delimited by the respective delineation feature.

[0021] The invention is set out in the appended claims.

[0022] In one aspect there is provided a power accumulator module, including a substrate extending in a first direction and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the substrate includes: a first planar surface including: - a first cell having a first series of elongate grooves, each elongate groove having, in the first direction, a first groove length between a first proximal end portion and a first distal end portion, where, in the second direction, the first senes of elongate grooves is disposed between a first pair of cell terminals, and where each elongate groove of the first series is electrically connected in series with an adjacent elongate groove of the first series; - a second cell, spaced apart from the first cell in the first direction and having a second series of elongate grooves, each elongate groove having, in the first direction, a second groove length between a second proximal end portion and a second distal end portion, where, in the second direction, the second series of elongate grooves is disposed between a second pair of cell terminals, and where each elongate groove of the second series is electrically connected in series with an adjacent elongate groove of the second series; and - a connector element, disposed between the first cell and the second cell, where the connector element is electrically connected to a first cell terminal of the first cell and a first cell terminal of the second cell; and wherein: at least one of the first groove length and the second groove length is in a range of from 50 millimetres to 500 millimetres, or the first groove length and second groove length have an aggregate length in a range of from 50 millimetres to 1000 millimetres.

[0023] Stated differently, in an aspect, the first groove length and the second groove length of a power accumulator module describe herein may meet one or both of the conditions that: - at least one of the first groove length and the second groove length is in a range of from 50 millimetres to 500 millimetres; - the first groove length and second groove length have an aggregate length in a range of from 50 millimetres to 1000 millimetres.

[0024] As stated above, it is a general requirement of two-terminal devices with grooved substrates to provide the functional grooves on as large an area of the substrate surface as possible, in order to maximise efficiency of the device. In particular, in a power accumulator device, in which electrical charge is generated or stored in the grooves of a power accumulator module, then the skilled person would look to maximise efficiency by providing a device in which grooves utilise a maximum area of the substrate.

[0025] Known devices also reduce material costs by minimising the thickness of conductor materials engaged with the substrate for extracting electrical charge from the cells, for example the conductor materials used for cell terminals, module terminals, connector elements or busbars or the like. Material costs of a power accumulator device are typically reduced by reducing the thickness of the conductor materials.

[0026] However, the inventors of the present invention have surprisingly found that efficiency is improved by limiting the groove lengths of the elongate grooves of a cell. In particular, power loss across the device is reduced by limiting the groove lengths of the elongate grooves of adjacent cells. In this way, the lengths of the cell terminals that run parallel to the elongate grooves of each cell are limited to lengths corresponding to the respective groove lengths. Limiting groove lengths to a range of 50 millimetres to 500 millimetres, and thereby limiting the cell terminal lengths to a range of 50 millimetres to 500 millimetres, is advantageous in minimising power losses to acceptable levels. Stated differently, the inventors have surprisingly found that efficiency of a power accumulator device formed with adjacent cells in a substrate is increased by limiting the groove lengths.

[0027] Thus, for substrates of width greater than 500mm, that is substrates that extend in a first direction for greater than 500mm, the efficiency of power accumulator devices on the substrate is improved by dividing the groove length. The efficiency of the power accumulator device is surprisingly improved by sacrificing some of the area of the substrate that would otherwise be used for elongate grooves by utilising a portion of the substrate area to provide a connector element between the grooves of cells that are adjacent in the first direction.

[0028] Further advantageously, the connector element between adjacent provides increased flexibility in design of power accumulator module. In this way, a greater range of possibilities are provided to electrically connect power accumulator modules, either in series or in parallel. A greater range of possibilities are provided to electrically connect, either in series or in parallel, the cells of power accumulator modules to module terminals.

[0029] A power accumulator module may include a plurality of cells, spaced apart in the first direction. Each cell of the plurality of cells may have a respective groove length such that the aggregate groove length is 1000mm. The plurality of cells may be a number of cells that is an integer in the range of from 2 to 12, preferably in the range of from 3 to 6.

[0030] A power accumulator module may also include a first cell having a first delineation feature configured to transect each first distal end portion of the first series of elongate grooves, and to extend beyond the first series of elongate grooves. The first delineation feature electrically isolates the second cell terminal of the first cell from the connector element.

[0031] A power accumulator module may also include a second cell having a second delineation feature configured to transect each second proximal end portion of the second series of elongate grooves, and to extend beyond the second series of elongate grooves. The second delineation feature electrically isolates the second cell terminal of the second cell from the connector element.

[0032] The second cell terminal of first cell and first cell terminal of the second cell may be electrically connected to opposing edges of the first planar surface of the substrate.

[0033] The first delineation feature may transect each first distal end portion of a series of elongate grooves, typically the first series of elongate grooves, at a first delineation angle to the first direction. The first delineation angle may be at an acute angle or an obtuse angle to the first direction. The first delineation angle may be oriented away from the second direction. The first delineation angle may be in a range of from 10 degrees to 170 degrees, preferably in a range of from 20 degrees to 160 degrees, more preferably in a range of from 20 degrees to 60 degrees or in a range of from 120 degrees to 160 degrees.

[0034] The second delineation feature may transect each second proximal end portion of the second series of elongate grooves at a second delineation angle to the first direction. The second delineation angle may be at an acute angle or at an obtuse angle to the first direction. The second delineation angle may be oriented away from the second direction. The second delineation angle may be in a range of from 10 degrees to 170 degrees, preferably in a range of from 20 degrees to 160 degrees, more preferably in a range of from 20 degrees to 60 degrees or in a range of from 120 degrees to 160 degrees.

[0035] The first delineation angle may be oriented away from a perpendicular to the first direction. The second delineation angle may be oriented away from the second direction. That is, the first delineation angle may be oriented so that either: a first face of each elongate groove extends beyond the opposing, second face in the first direction, or a second face of each elongate groove extends beyond the opposing, first face in the first direction. That is, the second delineation angle may be oriented so that either: a first face of each elongate groove extends beyond the opposing, second face in the first direction, or a second face of each elongate groove extends beyond the opposing, first face in the first direction.

[0036] By providing a suitable first delineation angle and / or a suitable second delineation angle, the groove end portion is transected by the delineation feature in a manner that prevents ingress of material into the transected groove end portion. In such cases, the opposing face of the transected groove end portion casts prevents or limits the opposing face from receiving a coating material. Only an upper portion of the transected groove face receives incoming coating material. The base of the transected groove does not receive coating material and is free from coating material. That is the base of the transected groove end portion adjoining the delineation feature is uncoated. Thus, the likelihood of forming an electrical short across transected elongate grooves during manufacture is reduced. A more efficient and / or reliable cell may be provided.

[0037] The first delineation angle is equal to the second delineation angle. The first delineation angle and the second delineation angle may be supplementary angles. That is, the first delineation angle and the second delineation angle may add together to 180 degrees.

[0038] A cell terminal of the first cell or the of second cell may have a terminal width in the second direction. A terminal width may be in the range of from 1 micron to 40 microns, preferably in the range of from 2 microns to 30microns, more preferably in the range of from 4 microns to 12 microns.

[0039] As used herein, a cell terminal is a region of the first planar surface extending parallel to an outermost groove of a series of elongate grooves. The cell terminal is electrically connected in series with an outermost elongate groove. The cell terminal is delimited by a delineation feature at either a distal end portion of the series of elongate grooves, or at a proximal end portion of the series of elongate grooves. In any one series of elongate grooves a first cell terminal has an open end at a distal end portion and a second cell has an open end at a proximal end portion.

[0040] A first power accumulator module may include a plurality of a first cells. Each first cell may include a first series of elongate grooves spaced apart along the second direction of the substrate. Each first series of elongate grooves may be disposed, in a second direction, between a respective first pair of cell terminals.

[0041] A second power accumulator module may include a plurality of second cells. Each second cell may include a second series of elongate grooves spaced apart along the second direction. Each second series of elongate grooves may be disposed, in a second direction, between a respective second pair of cell terminals.

[0042] A connector element may be electrically connected to each of the first cell terminals of the first cell, as well as each of the first cell terminals of the second cell.

[0043] In a power accumulator module including a plurality of a series of elongate grooves, the first cell terminal of one series of elongate grooves may be electrically isolated from the second cell terminal of an adjacent series by a delineation element.

[0044] A power accumulator module may also include a third cell, spaced apart from the second cell in the first direction and having a third series of elongate grooves. Within the third cell, each elongate groove has, in the first direction, a third groove length between a third proximal end portion and a third distal end portion. In the second direction, the elongate grooves of each third cell may be disposed between a third pair of cell terminals. Each elongate groove of a third cell is electrically connected in series with an adjacent elongate groove of the third cell.

[0045] A second connector element may be disposed between a second cell and a third cell. The second connector element may be electrically connected to a second cell terminal of the second cell and a second cell terminal of the third cell.

[0046] In a power accumulator module having three cells, the first groove length, second groove length, and the third groove length may have an aggregate length in a range of from 150 millimetres to 1500 millimetres.

[0047] A power accumulator device may be provided that includes a plurality of power accumulator modules as described herein. Each pair of module terminals of the respective power accumulator modules may be electrically connected in parallel to a pair of device terminals.

[0048] A module terminal or a device terminal may be a portion of conductor material formed on the substrate. A module terminal or a device terminal may be a busbar or other electrically conductive connector formed either on or in the substrate, or on or in the first planar surface, or on or in the second planar surface.

[0049] A power accumulator module may be an optoelectronic module, a solar photovoltaic module, or a capacitor module.

[0050] The substrate may be a flexible substrate. The flexible substrate may be composed of a sheet of flexible material. The substrate may have a predetermined length, in the second direction, a predetermined width, in the first direction, and a predetermined depth between the first planar surface and the second planar surface.

[0051] The flexible substrate may be provided as a length of continuous flexible substrate. In some examples, the length of continuous flexible substrate is provided on a roll or a roll core. This provides roll-to-roll continuous manufacture, which provides a more cost and labour efficient manufacturing process. In some particular examples, the length of continuous flexible substrate is up to 96,000m, that is less than or equal to 96,000m.

[0052] A delineation feature may be a channel in the substrate. A delineation element may be a channel in the substrate. A delineation feature may have the same physical characteristics as a delineation element, other than the orientation or the length on the substrate may be different.

[0053] A delineation feature or a delineation element may each be a channel in the first planar surface of the substrate. A delineation feature or a delineation element may each be a plurality of channels in the first planar surface of the substrate. A plurality of channels may be two, three, four or more channels. The plurality of channels may be aligned in parallel on the first planar surface.

[0054] A channel may be regarded as an indentation or etch or the like in the substrate. A channel may include a rutted-base, a rutted-wall and / or a non-conductive electrical insulator material therein. That is, in some examples, the channel may include a rutted-bottom or a rutted-base. That is, the bottom, or the base, of the channel may be rutted in that the bottom, or the base, is jagged, uneven, undulated or the like. Additionally or alternatively, the channel may include a rutted-wall. That is, the wall of the channel may be rutted in that the wall is jagged, uneven, undulated or the like.

[0055] A channel may include a non-conductive electrical insulator material within the channel. The non-conductive electrical insulator may partially, mostly, or entirely fill the channel.

[0056] A channel may have an aspect ratio of at least 1:1, typically at least 1:1.6. That is, in certain embodiments, the channel may have an aspect ratio of 1:1 or greater than 1:1, for example, 1:1.1, 1:1.2, 1:1.3, 1:1.4, 1:1.5, 1:1.6, 1:1.7, 1:1.8, 1:1.9, 1:2.0 or the like. The term aspect ratio is used to define a ratio between the channel width and the channel depth. Thus, an aspect ratio of at least 1:1.6 may be regarded as a ratio of 1:1.6, referring to the width : depth of the channel, or greater. That is, the depth of the channel may be greater than the width of the channel.

[0057] In one aspect, a power accumulator module includes a substrate extending in a first direction and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the substrate includes: a pair of module terminals configured for extraction of an electrical charge from the power accumulator module; and a first planar surface having: - a first cell having a first series of elongate grooves, each elongate groove having, in the first direction, a first groove length between a first proximal end portion and a first distal end portion, where, in the second direction, the first series of elongate groove is disposed between a first pair of cell terminals, and where each elongate groove of the first series is electrically connected in series with an adjacent elongate groove of the first series, - a second cell, spaced apart from the first cell in the first direction and having a second series of elongate grooves, each groove having, in the first direction, a second groove length between a second proximal end portion and a second distal end portion, where, in the second direction, the second series of grooves is disposed between a second pair of cell terminals, and where each elongate groove of the second series is electrically connected in series with an adjacent elongate groove of the second series, and - a connector element, disposed between the first cell and the second cell, where the connector element is electrically connected to a first cell terminal of the first cell and a first cell terminal of the second cell; - wherein the first pair of cell terminals and the second pair of cell terminals are electrically connected in parallel to the pair of module terminals.

[0058] The first module terminal may be electrically connected to the connector element. The first module terminal may be provided at a first edge region of the first planar surface. A portion of conductor material may extend from the connector element to the first edge region to provide the electrical connection.

[0059] The substrate may include a first aperture configured to provide electrical communication between the first planar surface and the second planar surface.

[0060] The first aperture may be positioned, on the first planar surface, within the second cell terminal of either the first cell or the second cell.

[0061] The first aperture may be configured to electrically connect the respective second cell terminal to a first conductive region engaged with the second planar surface.

[0062] In one aspect, a power accumulator module has a pair of module terminals for extraction of an electrical charge from the power accumulator module, the power accumulator module also includes a substrate extending in a first direction and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the substrate includes: a first planar surface includes a first cell, a second cell, and a connector element, where the connector element is disposed, in the first direction, between the first cell and the second cell and is electrically connected to a first module terminal of the pair of module terminals, a second planar surface engaged with a first conductive region, where the first conductive region is electrically connected to a second module terminal of the pair of module terminals, and a first aperture in the substrate, the first aperture configured to provide electrical communication between the first planar surface and the second planar surface, wherein the first cell has a first series of elongate grooves, each elongate groove having, in the first direction, a first groove length between a first proximal end portion and a first distal end portion, where, in the second direction, the first series of elongate groove is disposed between a first pair of cell terminals, and where each elongate groove of the first series is electrically connected in series with an adjacent elongate groove of the first series; wherein the second cell has a second series of elongate grooves, each elongate groove having, in the first direction, a second groove length between a second proximal end portion and a second distal end portion, where, in the second direction, the second series of grooves is disposed between a second pair of cell terminals, and where each elongate groove of the second series is electrically connected in series with an adjacent elongate groove of the second series; wherein the connector element is electrically connected to a first cell terminal of the first cell and a first cell terminal of the second cell, and wherein the first aperture is positioned, on the first planar surface, within the second cell terminal of the first cell or the second cell and is configured to electrically connect the second cell terminal to the first conductive region engaged with the second planar surface.

[0063] The first conductive region may include a conductor material formed on the second planar surface.

[0064] The power accumulator module may also include an engagement element configured to be contactingly mounted to the second planar surface. The first conductive region may be a conductor material formed on the engagement element. In this way, a module terminal or a device terminal may be provided on an engagement element that is manufactured separately to the power accumulator module on the substrate, reducing the number of fabrication steps for the substrate.

[0065] The power accumulator module may include a plurality of first cells. Each first cell may include a respective first series of elongate grooves spaced apart along the second direction of the substrate and disposed, in a second direction, between a respective first pair of cell terminals. The power accumulator module may include a plurality of second cells. Each second cell may include a respective second series of elongate grooves spaced apart along the second direction and disposed, in a second direction, between a respective second pair of cell terminals. The connector element may be electrically connected to each of the first cell terminals of the first cells as well as each of the first cell terminals of the second cells, and the substrate may include a plurality of first apertures, each configured to electrically connect the first cell terminal of a respective second cell to the conductive region.

[0066] The power accumulator module may also include a third cell on the first planar surface, spaced apart from the second cell in the first direction and having a third series of elongate grooves. Each elongate groove may have, in the first direction, a third groove length between a third proximal end portion and a third distal end portion. In the second direction, the third series of elongate grooves is disposed between a third pair of cell terminals. Each elongate groove of the third series is electrically connected in series with an adjacent elongate groove of the third series. A second connector element may be disposed between the second cell and the third cell, wherein the second connector element is electrically connected to a second cell terminal of the second cell and a second cell terminal of the third cell.

[0067] In one aspect, a power accumulator module includes: a substrate extending in a first direction and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the substrate includes a first planar surface having a first cell, a second cell spaced apart from the first cell in the first direction, and a first connector element, where the first connector elements is disposed, m the first direction, between the first cell and the second cell; wherein the first cell includes: - a first series of elongate grooves, each elongate groove having, in the first direction, a first groove length between a first proximal end portion and a first distal end portion, where, in the second direction, the first series of elongate grooves is disposed between a first pair of cell terminals, and where each elongate groove of the first series is electrically connected in series with an adjacent elongate groove of the first series, and - a first delineation feature configured to transect each first distal end portion of the first series of elongate grooves; and wherein the second cell includes: - a second series of elongate grooves, each elongate groove having, in the first direction, a second groove length between a second proximal end portion and a second distal end portion, where, in the second direction, the second series of elongate grooves is disposed between a second pair of cell terminals, and where each elongate groove of the second series is electrically connected in series with an adjacent elongate groove of the second series, and - a second delineation feature configured to transect each second proximal end portion of the second series of elongate grooves, wherein the connector element is electrically connected to a first cell terminal of the first cell and a first cell terminal of the second cell, wherein the first delineation feature extends beyond the respective first series of elongate grooves to electrically isolate the second cell terminal of the first cell from the first connector element, and where the second delineation feature extends beyond the respective second series of elongate grooves to electrically isolate the second cell terminal of the second cell from the first connector element.

[0068] The power accumulator module may also include a first aperture in the substrate configured to provide electrical communication between the first planar surface and a first conductive region, wherein the first aperture is positioned, on the first planar surface, within the second cell terminal of the first cell and is configured to electrically connect the second cell terminal to the first conductive region engaged with the second planar surface.

[0069] The power accumulator module may also include a second aperture in the substrate configured to provide electrical communication between the first planar surface and second conductive region, where the second aperture is positioned, on the first planar surface, within the second cell terminal of the second cell and is configured to electrically connect the second cell terminal to the first conductive region engaged with the second planar surface.

[0070] The power accumulator module may also include, on the first planar surface: a third cell spaced apart from the second cell in the first direction and having a third series of elongate grooves, each elongate groove having, in the first direction, a third groove length between a third proximal end portion and a third distal end portion, where, in the second direction, the third series of elongate grooves is disposed between a third pair of cell terminals, and where each elongate groove of the third series is electrically connected in series with an adjacent elongate groove of the third series, and a second connector element, disposed between the second cell and the third cell, where the second connector element is electrically connected to a second cell terminal of the second cell and a second cell terminal of the third cell, - where the second cell includes a third delineation feature configured to transect each second distal end portion of the second series of elongate grooves, and where the third delineation feature extends beyond the respective second series of elongate grooves to electrically isolate the first cell terminal of the second cell from the second connector element, and - where the third cell includes a fourth delineation feature configured to transect each first distal end portion of the first series of elongate grooves, and where the fourth delineation feature extends beyond the respective third series of elongate grooves to electrically isolate the first cell terminal of the third cell from the second connector element.

[0071] In one aspect, a method of forming a power accumulator module is provided, the method includes: providing a substrate that extends in a first direction and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the substrate includes a first planar surface having - a first series of elongate grooves, each elongate groove having a first groove length along a first direction of the substrate between a first proximal end portion and a first distal end portion, and a first delineation feature configured to transect each first distal end portion of the first series of elongate grooves and to extend beyond the first series of elongate grooves in the second direction, - a second series of elongate grooves, each elongate groove having a second groove length along the first direction of the substrate between a second proximal end portion and a second distal end portion, and a second delineation feature configured to transect each second proximal end portion of the second series and to extend beyond the first series of elongate grooves in the second direction, and - a first substrate portion disposed, in the first direction, between the first series of elongate grooves and the second series of elongate grooves; applying a first conductor material to the substrate to form at least a first module terminal on the first planar surface; masking the substrate with a mask to cover at least: the first distal end portion of each elongate groove of the first series, the second proximal end portion of each elongate groove of the second series, and the first substrate portion; moving the substrate in the second direction through a dispenser assembly configured to dispense a second conductor material onto the substrate; and coating the first series of elongate grooves and the second series of elongate grooves with the second conductor material dispensed from the dispenser assembly to form a second module terminal on the substrate.

[0072] The step of applying a first conductor material to the substrate may also form a first connector element on the first substrate portion such that the first connector element is electrically connected to the first module terminal.

[0073] The dispenser assembly may dispense the second conductor material at a second deposition angle to the first planar surface. Preferably the second deposition angle is not perpendicular to the first planar surface.

[0074] The step of forming the first connector element on the first substrate portion may also include moving the substrate through the dispenser assembly, and dispensing the first conductor material at a first deposition angle to the first planar surface of the substrate. Preferably, the first deposition angle is not perpendicular to the first planar surface.

[0075] The first deposition angle may differ from the second deposition angle.

[0076] The step of applying a first conductor material or applying a second conductor material to the substrate may also form first and second cell terminals adjacent to the outermost elongate grooves of each of the first and second series.

[0077] The method of forming a power accumulator module may also include electrically connecting the first and second cell in parallel with a pair of module terminals.

[0078] The step of coating may also apply a conductor material to first face of each groove.

[0079] The method of forming a power accumulator module may also include coating the second face of each groove with a non-insulator.

[0080] The method of forming a power accumulator module may also include at least partially filling each groove with a semiconductor.

[0081] As will be appreciated, the features or components on an aspect may be readily combined with any other disclosed aspect. For example, any of example power accumulator modules described herein may, optionally, include two cells, three cells or more cells. Any example cell may include one series of elongate grooves or a plurality of series up to and including any suitable number of series spaced apart in the second direction of a continuous substrate. Any example power accumulator module may, optionally, include apertures, connector elements or module terminals described in any other example.

[0082] Certain aspects or examples provide an advantage that electrical power is extracted from cells of a power accumulator module and accumulated across the module without a corresponding increase in the electrical resistance associated with the charge extraction. A common electrical connection provided by the connector element to the first cell and the second cell prevents power loss of the power accumulator device.

[0083] Certain aspects or examples reduce power loss across the power accumulator module. The efficiency of a power accumulator device including power accumulator module is improved by sacrificing some of the area of the substrate that could be used for elongate grooves.

[0084] Certain aspects or examples provide greater layout flexibility for electrically connecting power accumulator modules to one another, either in series or in parallel. For example, by providing an intermediary connector element, a power accumulator module provides greater layout flexibility for electrically connecting power accumulator modules to module terminals. A power accumulator device is thus configurable to provide electrical power with an increased range of voltages and current.

[0085] Certain aspects or examples provide a power accumulator device in which a further stage of electrical power accumulation is possible between power accumulator modules. The further stage of power accumulation is achieved without a corresponding increase in the electrical resistance associated with the extraction of charge from the overall power accumulator device.

[0086] Certain aspects or examples provide a power accumulator module a reduced number of electrical connections. A power accumulator module configuration is simplified, reducing manufacturing costs.

[0087] Certain aspects or examples require fewer intermediate electrical connections than would be required if the delineation elements of each of the cells were identically oriented. The costs of fabrication of the associated power accumulator device are reduced. Due to the orientation of the delineation elements in a power accumulator module, a first connector element has a first polarity and a second connector element has a second polarity so as to provide a shared electrical connection for two of the three cells of the power accumulator module.

[0088] Certain aspects or examples enable electrical power to extracted from the power accumulator module or the power accumulator device by a minimal number of terminals. The number of terminals may be minimal regardless of the length of the substrate in the second direction. The number of terminals may be minimal regardless of the number of cells spaced apart along the first direction. Certain aspects or examples enable module terminals to be conveniently connected to the edge regions of a substrate.

[0089] Certain aspects or examples enable a continuous substrate including power accumulator modules to be cut to any desired length to fabricate into a suitable power accumulator device. The substrate is then readily and simply electrically connected to further components.

[0090] Certain aspects or examples provide series of elongate grooves that are electrically connected in series without risk of a short circuit between transected grooves. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0091] Examples are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0092] FIG. 1A shows a plan view of a first planar surface of a known substrate including a two-terminal device;

[0093] FIG. IB shows a plan view of a reverse, or second planar surface of the substrate shown in FIG. 1A;

[0094] FIG. IC shows a cross-sectional view of the substrate shown in FIG. 1A;

[0095] FIG. 2A shows an example power accumulator module including a first cell and a second cell;

[0096] FIG. 2B shows the power accumulator module of FIG. 2A in which each of the first cell and the second cell includes a plurality of series of elongate grooves;

[0097] FIG. 3A shows another example power accumulator module including a first cell, a second cell and a third cell;

[0098] FIG. 3B shows the power accumulator module of FIG. 3 A in which each of the first cell, the second cell and the third cell includes a plurality of series of elongate grooves;

[0099] FIG. 4 shows a further example power accumulator module including a first cell and a second cell each with delineation features at an acute angle to the first direction;

[0100] FIG. 5 shows an example power accumulator module including a unit first cell with a delineation feature at an acute angle and a second cell with a delineation feature at an obtuse angle to the first direction;

[0101] FIG. 6 shows a further example power accumulator module including a first cell and a second cell each with delineation features at an obtuse angle to the first direction;

[0102] FIG. 7 shows a further example power accumulator module including the power accumulator module of FIG. 4 with a third cell;

[0103] FIG. 8 shows a further example power accumulator module including the power accumulator module of FIG. 5 with a third cell;

[0104] FIG. 9 shows a further example power accumulator module including the power accumulator module of FIG. 6 with a third cell;

[0105] FIG. 10 shows a first planar surface, and FIG. 11 shows a second planar surface, of an example power accumulator module including an aperture;

[0106] FIG. 12A shows a first planar surface, and FIG. 12B shows a second planar surface, of another power accumulator module including an aperture and an engagement element;

[0107] FIG. 13 A and FIG. 13B show the power accumulator module of FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 in which each of the first cell and the second cell includes a plurality of series of elongate grooves;

[0108] FIG. 14A shows a first planar surface, and FIG. 14B shows a second planar surface, of another example power accumulator module including first apertures and second apertures;

[0109] FIG. 15A shows a first planar surface, and FIG. 15B shows a second planar surface, of another example power accumulator module including first apertures and second apertures; [OHO] FIG. 16A shows a first planar surface, and FIG. 16B shows a second planar surface, of yet further example power accumulator module including first apertures and second apertures;

[0111] FIG. 17A shows a first planar surface, and FIG. 17B shows a second planar surface, of yet further example power accumulator module including first apertures and second apertures; and

[0112] FIG. 18A, FIG. 18B, FIG. 18C, FIG. 18D show a substrate processed using an example method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0113] Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words Tower’, ‘upper’, ‘down’ and ‘downward’ designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made and are with respect to the described component when assembled and mounted. The words ‘inner’, ‘inward’, ‘outer’, and ‘outwardly’ refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, a designated centreline or a geometric centre of an element being described (e.g. central axis), the particular meaning being readily apparent from the context of the description.

[0114] Further, as used herein, the terms ‘connected1 and ‘mounted’ are intended to include direct connections between two members without any other members interposed therebetween, as well as, indirect connections between members in which one or more other members are interposed therebetween. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

[0115] Further, unless otherwise specified, the use of ordinal adjectives, such as, ‘first’, ‘second’, ‘third’ etc. merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner.

[0116] Referring now to FIG. 1A to FIG. IC, there is shown a known two terminal device including shows a plan view of the optoelectronic device 102 comprising a substrate 104. The first planar surface 106 of the substrate 104 is shown in FIG. 1A. The second planar surface 108 is shown in FIG. IB. The first planar surface 106 includes a first series of grooves 110a and a second series of grooves 110b and a channel 112 therebetween. The first series of grooves 110a and the second series of grooves 110b are spaced apart in a first direction of the substrate 104.

[0117] The optoelectronic device 102 is a solar photovoltaic cell. The optoelectronic device 102 includes a mixture of interdigitated (parallel connected) and cascaded (series connected) grooves. The operating voltage of the optoelectronic device 102 can be controlled by changing the number of series of 110a, 110b. Increasing the number of series of 110a, 110b increases the operating voltage of the optoelectronic device 102.

[0118] The channel 112 is a means to separate and electrically isolate the cascaded (series connected) grooves 110a, 110b. The channel 112 also is a means to connect each series of grooves 110a, 110b in parallel, in order to make it possible to extract the desired electric charge generated at the voltage designed by the number of series of grooves 110a, 110b. The channel 112 includes a first delineation feature, a delineation element and a second delineation feature. The first delineation feature crosses the first series of grooves 110a towards an edge of the substrate 104 at first proximal end portion of each groove. The delineation element of the channel 112 crosses a space 114 between the first series of grooves 110a and the second series of grooves 110b. Subsequently, the second delineation feature of the channel 112 crosses the second series of grooves 110b towards the opposite edge of the substrate 104, at a second proximal end portion of each groove. In this way, each series of grooves 110a, 110b are crossed towards each edge of the substrate 104 by portions of two successive delineation features, as depicted in FIG. 1A.

[0119] Each space 114 is divided into a first cell terminal 116 and a second cell terminal 118. The first cell terminal 116 carries a positive charge and the second cell terminal 118 carries a negative charge. The first cell terminal 116 terminates at a first module terminal 120 at one edge of the substrate 104, and the second cell terminal 118 terminates at a second module terminal 122 at the other, opposite, edge of the substrate 104. In this way, the module terminals are spaced apart in a second direction of the substrate 104, where the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0120] Each first cell terminal 116 provides an electrical connection of the first groove, that is a first outermost groove 134, of each series of grooves to the first module terminal 120. Each second cell terminal 118 provides an electrical connection of the last groove, that is a second outermost groove 136, of each series of grooves to the second terminal 114. Thus, a two-terminal device is formed having a first module terminal 120 arranged along a first edge of the substrate 104, and a second module terminal 122 arranged along a second edge of the substrate 104.

[0121] The substrate 104 includes a first aperture 124. The first aperture 124 provides electrical communication between the first outermost groove 134 and the second planar surface 108 of the substrate 104 (as shown particularly in FIG. IB). The substrate 104 includes a second aperture 126. The second aperture 126 provides a separate electrical communication between the second outermost groove 136 and the second planar surface 108 of the substrate 104. A first group of apertures including the first aperture 124 is shown at the top of FIG. 1A and a second group of apertures including the second aperture 126 is shown at the bottom of FIG. 1A. The groups of apertures are each shown horizontally spaced in FIG. 1 A.

[0122] Referring particularly to FIG. IC, there is shown a cross-sectional view of the optoelectronic device 102 of FIG. 1A and FIG. IB, viewed along the axis A-A. The cross-section shows the substrate 104 of the optoelectronic device 102 including the first series of grooves 110a, as well as the first aperture 124 and second aperture 126.

[0123] The first series of grooves 110a includes the first outermost groove 134 and the second outermost groove 136, as well as the first aperture 124 and the second aperture 126.

[0124] The first aperture 124 passes through the first planar surface 106 of the substrate 104 proximate to the first outermost groove 134 and through the first conductive region 146 of the second planar surface 108. The first aperture 124 provides an electrical connection between a first conductor material 138 on the first planar surface 106 and the first conductive region 146 on the second planar surface 108.

[0125] The second aperture 126 passes through the first planar surface 106 of the substrate 104 proximate to the second outermost groove 136 and through the second conductive region 148 of the second planar surface 108. The second aperture 126 provides an electrical connection between a second conductor material 140 on the first planar surface 106 and the second conductive region 148 on the second planar surface 108.

[0126] Each groove, for example, of the series of grooves 110a has a first face 150a and a second face 150b and a cavity 152 therebetween. The first aperture 124 and the second aperture 126 are each filled with filler material 154. The filler material 154 is an electrical conductor. The filler material 154 provides the electrical communication between the first outermost groove 134 and second outermost groove 136 and the second planar surface 108.

[0127] The cavities 152 are partially filled with a first semiconductor material 142. The first face 150a is coated with the first conductor material 138 and the second face 150b is coated with a second semiconductor material 144. The first face 150a is coated with the first conductor material 138 and the second face 150b is coated with the second semiconductor material 144 using an off-axis coating technique. The cavity 152 is partially filled with the first semiconductor material 142 using a uniform coating technique. The off-axis directional coating requires that the coating is received onto the substrate from an angle relative to each groove, for example, of the first series of grooves 110a. The coating is received into the grooves and forms a deposit on the groove faces from either side of a vertical axis from the first planar surface 106. The off-axis directional coating is performed in a partial vacuum. The partial vacuum ensures the coating material from the source has a sufficient mean free path, that is a direct and un-diverted path, and that the substrate 104 is substantially free from interactions with gas or atmospheric molecules.

[0128] As used herein, a spray is used to refer to any type of directional coating of individual elements and / or droplets, the dimensions of which are smaller than the dimensions of each groove, for example of the first series of grooves 110a.

[0129] The off-axis directional coating means that the received first conductor material 138 and second semiconductor material 144 is deposited on the substrate at an angle to the vertical from the substrate first planar surface 106. The substrate is applied at a receiving angle.

[0130] The shape of the cavity 152 formed by and between the first faces 150a and the second faces 150b of the series of grooves 110a angled from the vertical so that the first conductor material 13 8 or second semiconductor material 144 is selectively restricted from forming thereon. The receiving angle is restricted by providing angled first face 150a and angled second face 150b so that the upper portion of the opposing face provides a shadow effect to the respective first face 150a or second face 150b from incoming coating material received by the first planar surface 106 of the substrate 104. When the substrate 104 is coated by moving past a dispenser assembly in the first direction, the portion of the first planar surface 106 adjoining the first face 150a prevents material being deposited on the first face 150a. When the substrate 104 is coated by moving past the dispenser assembly in a reverse direction to the first direction, the portion of the first planar surface 106 adjoining the second face 150b prevents material being deposited on the second face 150b.

[0131] The process of off-axis directional coating is further described in WO 2012 / 175902A1.

[0132] The second face 150b may be coated with a further conductor material (not shown) and then the first semiconductor material 142. Both coats are applied using the off-axis coating technique. The first semiconductor material 142 is then coated on top of the further conductor material (not shown).

[0133] Referring now to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B there is shown an example power accumulator module 202 according to an aspect. In particular, the example of FIG. 2A shows a power accumulator module 202 including a first cell 208 and a second cell 210 spaced apart in a first direction 230 across a substrate 204. The power accumulator module 202 is provided on the first planar surface of the substrate 204.

[0134] The example of FIG. 2B shows a power accumulator module 202 including a first cell 208 having a plurality of the first series 214 of elongate grooves spaced apart from one another in the second direction 232 of the substrate 204. The power accumulator module 202 includes a second cell 210 having a plurality second series 216 of elongate grooves spaced apart from one another in the second direction 232 of the substrate 204.

[0135] Referring particularly to FIG. 2A, the substrate 204 includes a first planar surface 206 having a first cell 208, and second cell 210, and a connector element 212 disposed between the first cell 208 and the second cell 210. The first cell 208 has a first series 214 of elongate grooves, each elongate groove having, in the first direction 230, a first groove length between a first proximal end portion and a first distal end portion. In the second direction 232, the first series 214 of elongate grooves is disposed between a first pair of cell terminals 218a, 220a. Each elongate groove of the first series 214 is electrically connected in series with an adjacent elongate groove of the first series 214;

[0136] The second cell 210 is arranged on the first planar surface 206, spaced apart from the first cell 208 in the first direction 230. The second cell 210 has a second series 216 of elongate grooves, each elongate groove having, in the first direction 230, a second groove length between a second proximal end portion and a second distal end portion. In the second direction 232, the second series 216 of elongate grooves is disposed between a second pair of cell terminals 220b, 220b Each elongate groove of the second series 216 is electrically connected in series with an adjacent elongate groove of the second series 216.

[0137] In the example shown in FIG. 2A, the first groove length is 250 millimetres and the second groove length is 250 millimetres. That is, the first groove length and second groove length have an aggregate length of 500 millimetres.

[0138] The connector element 212 is disposed between the first cell 208 and the second cell 210. The connector element 212 of the power accumulator module 202 is electrically connected to a first cell terminal 218a of the first cell 208 and a second cell terminal 220b of the second cell 210. The connector element 212 is electrically connected to a first module terminal.

[0139] The second cell terminal 220a of the first cell 208 and the second cell terminal second cell terminal 220b of the second cell 210 are electrically connected to a second module terminal. In this way, the first pair of cell terminals, that is the cell terminals of the first cell 208, is electrically connected across the module terminals. The second pair of cell terminals, that is the cell terminals of the second cell 210 is electrically connected across the module terminals. The first pair of cell terminals and the second pair of cell terminals are electrically connected in parallel to the module terminals.

[0140] Each groove, for example, of the first series 214 of grooves has a first face and a second face and a cavity therebetween, such as described with reference to FIG. 1C. The cavities are partially filled with a first semiconductor material. The first face is coated with the first conductor material and the second face is coated with a second semiconductor material. The first face is coated with the first conductor material and the second face is coated with the second semiconductor material using the off-axis coating technique described herein. In this way, the power accumulator module 202 formed on the substrate 204 is a module of photovoltaic cells.

[0141] The first face of each groove and the second face of each groove are angled from a vertical axis extending from the first planar surface 206 to take advantage of the shadowing effect of the off-axis coating technique. Thus, when the substrate 204 is coated by moving past a dispenser assembly in the first direction, the portion of the first planar surface 206 adjoining each first face prevents material being deposited on the first face. When the substrate 204 is coated by moving past the dispenser assembly in a reverse direction to the first direction, the portion of the first planar surface 206 adjoining each second face prevents material being deposited on the second face.

[0142] The first cell 208 includes a first delineation feature 222 configured to transect each first distal end portion of the first series 214 of elongate grooves. The first delineation feature 222 extends beyond the first series 214 of elongate grooves in the second direction 232 to delimit the second cell terminal 220a of the first cell 208 in the first direction 230. In this way, the first delineation feature 222 electrically isolates the second cell terminal 220a of the first cell 208 from the connector element 212.

[0143] The first cell 208 also includes a third delineation feature 226 configured to transect each first proximal end portion of the first series 214 of elongate grooves. The third delineation feature 226 extends beyond the first series 214 of elongate grooves in a direction opposing the second direction 232 to delimit the first cell terminal 218a of the first cell 208 in the first direction 230. In this way, the third delineation feature 226 electrically isolates the first cell terminal 218a of the first cell 208 from a first edge region of the substrate 204.

[0144] The second cell 210 includes a second delineation feature 224 configured to transect each second proximal end portion of the second series 216 of elongate grooves. The second delineation feature 224 extends beyond the second series 216 of elongate grooves in the second direction 232 to delimit the second cell terminal 220b of the second cell 210 in the first direction 230. In this way, the second delineation feature 224 electrically isolates the second cell terminal 220b of the second cell 210 from the connector element 212.

[0145] The second cell 210 includes a fourth delineation feature 228 configured to transect each second distal end portion of the second series 216 of elongate grooves. The fourth delineation feature 228 extends beyond the second series 216 of elongate grooves in a direction opposing the second direction 232 to delimit the second cell terminal 220b of the second cell 210 in the first direction 230. In this way, the fourth delineation feature 228 electrically isolates the second cell terminal 220b of the second cell 210 from an opposing, second edge region of the substrate 204.

[0146] In the example shown, each delineation feature is a channel in the first planar surface of the substrate 204. The first delineation feature 222 is parallel to the third delineation feature 226. The second delineation feature 224 is parallel to the fourth delineation feature 228. The first delineation feature 222 and the second delineation feature 224 are each aligned to transect the respective elongate grooves perpendicular thereto. The third delineation feature 226 and the fourth delineation feature 228 are each aligned to transect the respective elongate grooves perpendicular thereto. As will be apparent, the orientation of the delineation features shown in FIG. 2A, and the associate delineation angles are for illustrative purposes only. The delineation features and delineation angles are not confined or limited to perpendicular to the respective elongate grooves and may be any suitable angle described herein. For example the delineation features may be oriented to form any suitable acute angle or obtuse angle with the elongate grooves, such as described with reference to the examples in FIG. 4 to FIG. 9.

[0147] Each cell terminal of the first cell 208 or the second cell 210 has a terminal width in the second direction. A cell terminal has a terminal width on the first planar surface 206 of the substrate 204. In the example shown the terminal width of each of the first pair of cell terminals is 12 microns. In the example shown, the terminal width of each of the second pair of cell terminals is 12 microns.

[0148] Each of the first pair of cell terminals 218a, 220a are electrically connected in series to the first series 214 of elongate grooves. The first cell terminal 218a is electrically connected to a first outermost groove of the first series 214. The second cell terminal 220a is electrically connected to an opposing, second outermost groove of the first series 214.

[0149] Each of the second pair of cell terminals 220b, 220b are electrically connected in series to the second series 216 of elongate grooves. The second cell terminal 220b is electrically connected to a first outermost groove of the second series 216. The second cell terminal 220b is electrically connected to an opposing, second outermost groove of the second series 216.

[0150] The second cell terminal 220a of the first cell 208 is electrically connected to the first edge region of the substrate 204. The second cell terminal 220b of the second cell 210 is electrically connected to the second edge region.

[0151] The second cell terminals 220a, 220b are electrically connected to a first module terminal (not shown). The connector element 212 is electrically connected to a second module terminal (not shown) in this way, each of the first cell 208 and the second cell 210 are electrically connected in parallel to the module terminals. The first series 214 and the second series 216 of elongate grooves are electrically connected in parallel to the module terminals. Thus, in use, the power accumulator module sums electrical charge from each cell by current, not voltage.

[0152] The connector element 212 is formed as a layer of conductor material on the first planar surface of the substrate 204. Each cell terminal is formed as a layer of conductor material on the first planar surface of the substrate 204. In the example, each conductor material is nickel.

[0153] In use, each series of elongate grooves of the power accumulator module 202 provides an electrical charge. Each grooves is coated on its first face and second face, and filled in a known manner, such as described with reference to FIG. IC. In response to a light, an electrical charge is produced by the first cell 208 and the second cell 210. The first cell 208 and the second cell 210 are connected in parallel to a pair of module terminals via the cell terminals and the connector element 212.

[0154] The elongate grooves of each series are electrically connected in series. In this way, for a given selection of conductor and semiconductor materials, the potential difference of the electrical charge produced by the series is determined by the number of the elongate grooves in the series. The voltage of the elongate grooves is accumulated across the cell. The potential difference between the first cell terminal 218a and the second cell terminal 220a is determined by the number of elongate grooves.

[0155] The first cell 208 and the second cell 210 are each connected in parallel to a pair of module terminals via the respective cell terminals and the connector element 212. The electrical power extracted from the cells is thereby accumulated across the module without a corresponding increase in the electrical resistance when extracting charge from the power accumulator device. The common electrical connection of the connector element 212 to the first cell 208 and the second cell 210 thereby ensures performance loss of the power accumulator device is reduced.

[0156] Referring particularly to FIG. 2B, there is shown a substrate 204 including a power accumulator module formed of a plurality of first cells 208 and a plurality of second cells 210 of FIG. 2A repeated along the substrate 204 in the second direction 232. The substrate 204 of FIG. 2B may be a continuous substrate suitable for fabricating a power accumulator device of any required length.

[0157] The power accumulator module 202 has a plurality first cells 208, each including a first series 214 of elongate grooves spaced apart along the second direction 232 of the substrate 204. Each of the first series 214 of elongate grooves is disposed, in the second direction 232, between a respective first pair of cell terminals 218a, 220a.

[0158] The power accumulator module 202 has a plurality of second cells 210, each including a second series 216 of elongate grooves spaced apart along the second direction 232. Each of the second series 216 of elongate grooves is disposed, in the second direction 232, between a respective second pair of cell terminals 220b, 220b.

[0159] The connector element 212 is electrically connected to each of the first cell terminals 218a of the first cells 208 as well as each of the second cell terminal 220b of the second cells 210. The connector element 212 extends in the second direction 232 between successive first series 214 and second series 216 of elongate grooves.

[0160] The cell terminals of successive first cells 208 are electrically isolated by a first delineation element 234. The first delineation element 234 extends between the first cell terminal 218a and second cell terminal 220a of adjacent first series 214 of elongate grooves. The first delineation element 234 extends from the first delineation feature 222 of a first cell 208 to the third delineation feature 226 of the adjacent first cell 208.

[0161] The cell terminals of successive second cells 210 are electrically isolated by a second delineation element 236. The second delineation element 236 extends between the first cell terminal 218b and the second cell terminal 220b of adjacent second series 216 of elongate grooves. The second delineation element 236 extends from the second delineation feature 224 of a second cell 21 Oof elongate grooves to the fourth delineation feature 228 of the adjacent second cell 210.

[0162] Each first cell terminal 218a, 218b has a respective terminal width in the second direction 232 defined between the associated delineation element 234, 236 and first outermost groove of the associated first series 214 or second series 216 of elongate grooves. Each second cell terminal 220a, 220b has a respective terminal width in the second direction 232 defined between the associated delineation element 234, 236 and the second outermost groove of the associated first series 214 or second series 216 of elongate grooves. In the example shown the terminal widths are each 12 microns.

[0163] The first cell terminals 218a, 218b and the second cell terminals 220a, 220b have a terminal length substantially equal to the first groove length and the second groove length, that is 250 millimetres. In this way, power loss associated in extracting charge from the power accumulator module 202 is reduced. The efficiency of a power accumulator device including power accumulator module 202 is improved by sacrificing some of the area of the substrate 204 that could be used for elongate grooves.

[0164] Thus, elongate grooves are divided by utilising a portion of the first planar surface to accommodate a connector element 212 between spaced apart cells. By providing an intermediary connector element 212, the power accumulator module 202 provides greater layout flexibility for electrically connecting power accumulator modules to one another.

[0165] In use, each cell of the power accumulator module 202 provides an electrical charge substantially as described with reference to FIG. 2A. Each first cell 208 is electrically connected in parallel to one another via the connector element 212 and the module terminal connected to the edges of substrate 204.

[0166] The electrical power extracted from the cells is accumulated across each first cell 208 and each second cell 210 without a corresponding increase in the electrical resistance when extracting charge from the power accumulator module.

[0167] The first cell 208 and the second cell 210 are each connected in parallel to a pair of module terminals via the respective cell terminals and the connector element 212.

[0168] As will be apparent, in further examples, a substrate may include a plurality of power accumulator modules on a substrate. That is, optionally, a substrate may be provided with a plurality of power accumulator modules spaced apart along the first direction of the substrate . Optionally, the substrate may be provided with a plurality of power accumulator modules spaced apart along the second direction.

[0169] Each module of the plurality of power accumulator modules includes a pair of module terminals. The respective pairs of module terminals of the power accumulator modules may be electrically connected in parallel to a pair of device terminals, for example by using busbars or the like.

[0170] Referring now to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, there is shown an example power accumulator module 302 according to an aspect. Where the features are the same as the example of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the reference numbers are also kept the same, but with a “2” as the initial digit.

[0171] In particular, the example shows a power accumulator module 302 including a first cell 308 and a second cell 310 substantially the same as the example described with reference to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. The power accumulator module 302 includes a third cell 334 spaced apart in a first direction 330 across the substrate 304.

[0172] The example of FIG. 3B shows a power accumulator module 302 including a first cell 308 having a plurality of a first series 314 of elongate grooves spaced apart from one another in the second direction 332 of the substrate 304. The power accumulator module 302 includes a second cell 310 having a plurality of a second series 316 of elongate grooves spaced apart from one another in the second direction 332. The power accumulator module 302 also includes a third cell 334 having a plurality of a third series 336 of elongate grooves spaced apart from one another in the second direction 332. The third cell 334 is spaced apart from the second cell 310 in a first direction 330 across the substrate 304.

[0173] Referring particularly to FIG. 3A, the substrate 304 includes a first planar surface having a first cell 308, and second cell 310, and a first connector element 312 disposed between the first cell 308 and the second cell 310. The substrate 304 also includes a third cell 334, spaced apart from the second cell 310 in the first direction 330 and having a third series 336 of elongate grooves. Each elongate groove of the third series 336 has a third groove length in the first direction 330. The third groove extends between a third proximal end portion and a third distal end portion. In the example shown, the first groove length, the second groove length, and the third groove length are each 300 millimetres. The first groove length, the second groove length, and the third groove length have an aggregate length of 900 millimetres.

[0174] The third series 336 of elongate grooves is disposed, in the second direction 332, between a third pair of cell terminals 318c, 320c. In addition, each elongate groove of the third series 336 is electrically connected in series with an adjacent elongate groove of the third series 336.

[0175] The power accumulator module 302 has a second connector element 342, disposed between the second cell 310 and the third cell 334. The second connector element 342 is electrically connected to a second cell terminal 320b of the second cell 310 and a second cell terminal 320c of the third cell 334.

[0176] In use, each series of elongate grooves of the power accumulator module 302 provides an electrical charge in response to illumination by light as described with reference to FIG. 2A other than a third cell 334 is provided. The first cell 308, the second cell 310 and the third cell 334 are connected in parallel to a pair of module terminals via the cell terminals as well as the first connector element 312 and the second connector element 342.

[0177] The electrical power extracted from the cells is thereby accumulated across the power accumulator module 302 without a corresponding increase in the electrical resistance associated with extracting the electrical charge.

[0178] Referring particularly to FIG. 3B, there is shown a substrate 304 including a power accumulator module formed of the first cell 308, the second cell and the third cell 334 of FIG. 2A repeated along the substrate 304 in the second direction 332. The substrate 304 of FIG. 3B may be a continuous substrate suitable for fabricating a power accumulator device of any required length.

[0179] The cell terminals of successive first cells 308are electrically isolated by a first delineation element 344 and the cell terminals of successive second cells 31 Oof elongate grooves are electrically isolated by a second delineation element 346. The first delineation element 344 and the second delineation element 346 are substantially the same as the corresponding delineation elements shown in the example of FIG. 2B.

[0180] The cell terminals of successive third cells 334are electrically isolated by a third delineation element 348. Each third delineation element 348 extends between the first cell terminal 318c of the third series 336 and the second cell terminal 320c of an adjacent second series 316 of elongate grooves. Each third delineation element 348 extends from the fifth delineation feature 338 of a third series 336 of elongate grooves to the sixth delineation feature 340 of the adjacent third series 336 of elongate grooves.

[0181] Due to the orientation of the delineation elements in the power accumulator module 302, the first connector element 312 has a first polarity and the second connector element 342 has a second polarity. In this way, each of the first connector element 312 and the second connector element 342 provide a shared electrical connection for two of the three cells of the power accumulator module 302.

[0182] Optionally, a further stage of power accumulation may be achieved in the same manner as described above with reference to FIG. 2B. Each module of the plurality of power accumulator modules may include a pair of module terminals that is electrically connected in parallel to the pairs of module terminals of other power accumulator modules on the substrate. The pairs of module terminals of each of the plurality of power accumulator modules is electrically connected in parallel via a pair of device terminals.

[0183] Referring now to FIG. 4 to FIG. 6, there are shown example power accumulator modules according to various aspects. Where the features are the same as the example of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the reference numbers are also kept the same, but with “5”, “6” or “7” as the initial digit.

[0184] In particular, each example shows a power accumulator module including a plurality of first cells and a plurality of second cells substantially the same as the example described with reference to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B other than a delineation angle of the respective delineation features is varied.

[0185] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a power accumulator module 502 wherein the first delineation feature 522 transects each first distal end portion of the elongate grooves of each first cell 508 at a first delineation angle 552 to the first direction 530.

[0186] In the example, the first delineation angle 552 is 60 degrees. In other examples, the first delineation angle may be in arange as described herein.

[0187] The power accumulator module 502 also includes a second delineation feature 524 that transects each second proximal end portion of the elongate grooves of each second cell 510. The second delineation feature 524 transects each elongate groove at a second delineation angle 554 to the first direction 530. In the example, the second delineation angle 554 is 60 degrees. In other examples, the second delineation angle may be in a range as described herein.

[0188] In the example, the first delineation angle 552 is equal to second delineation angle 554.

[0189] The third delineation feature 526 transects each first proximal end portion of the elongate grooves of each first cell 508 at a third delineation angle 553. The third delineation angle 553 of the third delineation feature 526 is equal to the first delineation angle 552 of the first delineation feature 522.

[0190] The fourth delineation feature 528 transects each second distal end portion of the elongate grooves of each second cell 510 at a fourth delineation angle 555. The fourth delineation angle 555 of the fourth delineation feature 528 is the same as the second delineation angle 554 of the second delineation feature 524.

[0191] In this way, each first cell 508 is oriented as a reflection of a second cell 510 about the connector element 512. The first cells 508 and second cells 510can be electrically connected by a common connector element 512, reducing the complexity of the power accumulator module 502.

[0192] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a power accumulator module 602 wherein the each first delineation feature 622 transects the elongate grooves of a first cell 608 at a first delineation angle 652 to the first direction. In the example, the first delineation angle 652 is 60 degrees.

[0193] The power accumulator module 602 also includes a second delineation feature 624 that transects each second proximal end portion of the elongate grooves of each second cell 610. The second delineation feature 624 transects each elongate groove at a second delineation angle 654 to the first direction. In the example, the second delineation angle 654 is 120 degrees.

[0194] In the example, the first delineation angle 652 and the second delineation angle 654 are supplementary angles. The first delineation angle 652 and the second delineation angle 654 together total 180 degrees.

[0195] The third delineation feature 626 transects each first proximal end portion of the first series 614 of elongate grooves at a third delineation angle (not shown). The third delineation angle of the third delineation feature is supplementary with the first delineation angle 652 of the first delineation feature 622. In this way, the first delineation feature 622 is oriented to be parallel to the second delineation feature 624. The first delineation feature 622 is oriented to be parallel to the third delineation feature 626.

[0196] The fourth delineation feature 628 transects each second distal end portion of the second series 616 of elongate grooves at a fourth delineation angle (not shown). The fourth delineation angle of the fourth delineation feature 628 is supplementary with the second delineation angle 654 of the second delineation feature 624.

[0197] In this way, each first cell 608 has a different chirality to each second cell 610 about the connector element 612. The first cells 608 and second cells 610 can be electrically connected by a common connector element 612, reducing the complexity of the power accumulator module 602.

[0198] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a power accumulator module 402 wherein each first delineation feature 422 transects each first distal end portion of the elongate grooves of a first cell 408 at a first delineation angle 452 to the first direction. In the example, the first delineation angle 452 is 120 degrees.

[0199] The power accumulator module 402 also includes second delineation features 424 that transect each second proximal end portion of the elongate grooves of a second cell 410. The second delineation feature 424 transects each elongate groove at a second delineation angle 454 to the first direction. In the example, the second delineation angle 454 is 120 degrees.

[0200] In the example, each first delineation angle 452 is equal to second delineation angle 454. Each first delineation feature 422 is oriented as a reflection of a second delineation feature 424 about the connector element 412.

[0201] The third delineation feature 426 transects each first proximal end portion of the elongate grooves of a first cell 408 at a third delineation angle (not shown). The third delineation angle of the third delineation feature 426 is supplementary with the first delineation angle 452 of the first delineation feature 422.

[0202] The fourth delineation feature 428 transects each second distal end portion of the elongate grooves of a second cell 410 at a fourth delineation angle (not shown). Each fourth delineation angle of the fourth delineation feature 428 is supplementary with asecond delineation angle 454 of the second delineation feature 424. Each third delineation feature 426 is oriented as a reflection of a fourth delineation feature 428 about the connector element 412. The first cells 408and second cells 410are electrically connected to a common connector element 412, reducing the complexity of the power accumulator module 402.

[0203] In addition, by providing delineation features at an angle to the first direction, that is at an acute angle or an obtuse angle to the first direction, such as the examples shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, advantages in manufacturability of the power accumulator module 402 may be achieved as described herein with reference to FIG. 18A to FIG. 18D.

[0204] Referring now to FIG. 7 to FIG. 9, there are shown example power accumulator modules according to various aspects. Where the features are the same as other examples, the reference numbers are also kept the same, but with “8”, “9” or “10” as the initial digit or digits.

[0205] In particular, each example shows a power accumulator module including a plurality of first cells and a plurality of second cells substantially the same as the examples described with reference to FIG. 4 to FIG. 6 with the addition of a third cell. Each third cell is spaced apart from a second cell in the first direction in the same way as the respective cells of the example described with reference to FIG. 3 A and FIG. 3B.

[0206] Referring particularly, to FIG. 7, there is shown an example power accumulator module 702 including a plurality of first cells 708 and a plurality of second cells 710substantially the same as the FIG. 4. The power accumulator module 702 includes a plurality of third cells 734 spaced apart in a first direction 730 across the substrate 704. The substrate 704 may be a continuous substrate suitable for fabricating a power accumulator device of any required length.

[0207] A first connector element 712 is disposed between the first cells 708 and the second cells 710. A second connector element 742, disposed between the second cells 710 and the third cells 734. The second connector element 742 is electrically connected to a second cell terminal 720b of each second cell 710 and a second cell terminal 720c of each third cell 734.

[0208] A first delineation feature 722 transects each first distal end portion of the elongate grooves of a first cell 708at a first delineation angle 752 of 60 degrees. A second delineation feature 724 transects each second proximal end portion of the elongate grooves of a second cell 710 at a second second delineation angle 754 of 60 degrees. In this way, the first cells 708 and second cells 710 are electrically connected via a common first connector element 712.

[0209] Each third cell 734 of the power accumulator module 702 is a duplicate of a first cell 708, translated along the substrate 704 in the first direction 730. Thus, a sixth delineation feature 740 transects each third distal end portion of the elongate grooves of a third cell 734 m the same manner as the first delineation feature 722 of a first cell 708. The sixth delineation feature 740 transects each groove at a third delineation angle 756 equal to 60 degrees.

[0210] Each first cell 708 is thus oriented as a reflection of a second cell 710 about the first connector element 712 and each third cell 734 is oriented as a reflection a the second cell 710 about the second connector element 742.

[0211] The second cell terminal 720b of each second cell 710 and the second cell terminal 720c of each third cell 734 are each electrically connected to a second connector element 742. Due to the orientation of the delineation elements in the power accumulator module 702, the first connector element 712 has a first polarity and the second connector element 742 has an opposing, second polarity. In this way, each of the first connector element 712 and the second connector element 742 provide a shared electrical connection for two of the three cells of a power accumulator module 702.

[0212] Referring particularly, to FIG. 8, there is shown an example power accumulator module 802 including a plurality of first cells 808 and a plurality of second cells 810 substantially the same as the power accumulator module shown in FIG. 5. The power accumulator module 802 includes a plurality of third cells 834 spaced apart in a first direction 830 across the substrate 804.

[0213] Each third cell 834 of the power accumulator module 802 is a duplicate of a first cell 808, translated along the substrate 804 in the first direction 830. Thus, a sixth delineation feature 840 transects each third distal end portion of the elongate grooves of a third cell 834 in the same manner as the first delineation feature 822 of a first cell 808. The sixth delineation feature 840 transects each groove at a third delineation angle 856 equal to 60 degrees. The third delineation angle 856 is supplementary with the first delineation angle 852.

[0214] The first cell 808 and the third cell 834 are each oriented with a different chirality to the second cell 810. In this way, each first cell 808 and second cell 810 can be electrically connected by a common first connector element 812 and, additionally, eachsecond cell 810 and third cell 834 can be electrically connected by a common second connector element 842.

[0215] Referring particularly, to FIG. 9, there is shown an example power accumulator module 902 including a plurality of first cells 908 and a plurality of second cells 910 substantially the same as the power accumulator module shown in FIG. 6. The power accumulator module 902 includes a plurality of third cells 934 spaced apart in a first direction 930 across the substrate 904.

[0216] Each third cell 934 of the power accumulator module 902 is a duplicate of a first cell 908, translated along the substrate 904 in the first direction 930. Thus, a sixth delineation feature 940 transects each third distal end portion of the elongate grooves of a third cell 934 in the same manner as the first delineation feature 922 of the first cell 908. The sixth delineation feature 940 transects each groove at a third delineation angle 956 equal to 120 degrees. The third delineation angle 956 is equal to first delineation angle 952, and is equal to second delineation angle 954.

[0217] Each first cell 908 is oriented as a reflection of a second cell 910 about the first connector element 912 and each third cell 934 is oriented as a reflection of the second cell 910 about the second connector element 942. In this way, each first cell 908 and second cell 910 can be electrically connected by a common first connector element 912 and, additionally, each second cell 910 and third cell 934 can be electrically connected by a common second connector element 942.

[0218] Referring now to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, there is shown an example power accumulator module 1102 according to an aspect. Where the features are the same as other examples, the reference numbers are also kept the same, but with “11” as the initial digits.

[0219] In particular, the power accumulator module 1102 includes a first cell 1108 and a second cell 1110 substantially the same as the examples described with reference to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B with the inclusion of first aperture 1170 and a second aperture 1172. The first aperture 1170 and the second aperture 1172 may be formed in the same way as the first aperture 124 and second aperture 126 of the example shown in FIG. IC. The first aperture 1170 and the second aperture 1172 are each filled with filler material. The filler material is an electrical conductor.

[0220] The first cell terminal 1118a of the first cell 1108 and the first cell terminal 1118b of the second cell 1110 are electrically connected to the first connector element 1112 disposed on the substrate 1104 between the first cell 1108 and the second cell 1110.

[0221] The second planar surface 1174 includes a first conductive region 1176. In the example, the first conductive region 1176 is a conductor material coated onto second planar surface 1174. The 1176 is electrically connected to a suitable module terminal, for example a predetermined portion of the first conductive region 1176. A first conductive region 1176 may be provided on second planar surface 1174 using any suitable application techniques, such as spray coating or lamination, thereby reducing the costs of manufacture.

[0222] The first aperture 1170 is configured to provide an electrical connection between the first planar surface 1106 and the second planar surface 1174. The first aperture 1170 passes through the first planar surface 1106 of the substrate 1104 to the first conductive region 1176 on the second planar surface 1174.

[0223] The first aperture 1170 is positioned within a second cell terminal 1120a of the first cell 1108. The first aperture 1170 provides an electrical connection between second cell terminal 1120a and the first conductive region 1176 on the second planar surface 1174.

[0224] The second aperture 1172 is configured to provide electrical connection between the first planar surface 1106 and the second planar surface 1174. The second aperture 1172 passes through the first planar surface 1106 of the substrate to the first conductive region 1176 on the second planar surface 1174.

[0225] The second aperture 1172 is positioned within a second cell terminal 1120b of the second cell 1110. The second aperture 1172 provides an electrical connection between the second cell terminal 1120b and the first conductive region 1176 on the second planar surface 1174.

[0226] In this way, by providing an electrical connection from the first conductive region 1176 to a first module terminal, as well as an electrical connection from the first connector element 1112 to a second module terminal, the first cell 1108 and second cell 1110 are electrically connected in parallel. The electrical power from the first cell 1108 is accumulated with the electrical power of the second cell 1110 without increasing the voltage across the power accumulator module 1102. Efficiency of the power accumulator module 1102 is increased as electrical resistance is minimised.

[0227] Referring now to FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B, there is shown an example power accumulator module 1202 according to an aspect. Where the features are the same as other examples, the reference numbers are also kept the same, but with “12” as the initial digits.

[0228] In particular, the power accumulator module 1202 includes a first cell 1208 having a first aperture 1270, as well as a second cell 1210 having a second aperture 1272 substantially the same as the example described with reference to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 other than the first conductive region 1276 is provided on an engagement element 1280.

[0229] The engagement element 1280 includes the first conductive region 1276 provided thereon. The engagement element 1280 is contactingly mounted to the second planar surface 1274 of substrate 1204 so that the first conductive region 1276 is engaged with the first aperture 1270 and the second aperture 1272 as the emerge from the second planar surface 1274.

[0230] In this way, the first aperture 1270 provides an electrical connection between second cell terminal 1220a of the first cell 1208 and the first conductive region 1276 on the engagement element 1280. The second aperture 1272 provides an electrical connection between second cell terminal 1220b of second cell 1210 and the first conductive region 1276 on the engagement element 1280.

[0231] In the example, the engagement element 1280 is a further substrate or sheet that is mountable to second planar surface 1274 by any suitable means. The first conductive region 1276 is a layer of conductor material provided on the engagement element 1280 and dimensioned to extend from first aperture 1270 to second aperture 1272. The engagement element 1280 may be easily fabricated by any suitable means of applying a conductor material thereto. The engagement element 1280 may be removably mounted second planar surface 1274, for example by detachable clamping means or repositionable adhesive.

[0232] Referring now to FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B, there is shown an example power accumulator module 1302 according to an aspect. Where the features are the same as the other examples, the reference numbers are also kept the same, but with “13” as the initial digits.

[0233] In particular, a substrate 1304 includes a power accumulator module 1302 substantially the same as the example of FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 other than it includes a plurality of first cells 1308, each having a first series 1314 of elongate grooves, and a plurality of second cells 1310, each having a second series 1316 of elongate grooves. The substrate 1304 may be a continuous substrate suitable for fabricating a power accumulator device of any required length.

[0234] The cell terminals of successive first cells 1308 are electrically isolated by a first delineation element, and the cell terminals of successive second cells 13 Ware electrically isolated by a second delineation element in the same manner as other examples described herein, such as the example shown in FIG. 2B.

[0235] Each first cell 1308 includes a first aperture 1370. Each of the first apertures 1370 is positioned within a second cell terminal 1320a of a first cell 1308. The first apertures 1370 each provide an electrical connection between the respective second cell terminal 1320a and a first conductive region 1376 on the second planar surface 1374.

[0236] Each second cell 1310 includes second aperture 1372. Each of the second apertures 1372 is positioned within a second cell terminal 1320b of a second cell 1310. The second apertures 1372 each provide an electrical connection between the respective second cell terminal 1320b and the first conductive region 1376 on the second planar surface 1374.

[0237] Each first aperture 1370 and each second aperture 1372 may be formed in the same way as the first aperture 124 and second aperture 126 of the example shown in FIG. IC. The first aperture 1370 and the second aperture 1372 are each filled with filler material. The filler material is an electrical conductor.

[0238] In the example, an electrical connection is provided from the first conductive region 1376 to a first module terminal, as well as an electrical connection from the first connector element 1312 to a second module terminal. Each first cell 1308 and second cell 1310 are electrically connected in parallel. The electrical power extracted from the cells is thereby accumulated across the module without a corresponding increase in the electrical resistance associated with extracting the electrical charge.

[0239] Further advantageously, electrical power is extracted from each of the first cells 1308 and each of the second cells 1310 by electrically connecting module terminals to opposing planar surfaces of the substrate 1304. Electrical power may be conveniently extracted from the modules on the substrate regardless of the length of the substrate 1304 in the second direction 1332.

[0240] Referring now to FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B, there is shown an example power accumulator module 1402 according to an aspect. Where the features are the same as other examples, the reference numbers are also the same, but with “14” as the initial digits.

[0241] In particular, a substrate 1404 includes power accumulator module 1402 having a plurality of first cells 1408, a plurality of second cells 1410, and a plurality of third cells 1434 substantially the same as the examples described with reference to FIG. 3B with the addition of first apertures 1470 and second apertures 1472. The substrate 1404 may be a continuous substrate suitable for fabricating a power accumulator device of any required length.

[0242] A first connector element 1412 is disposed between each first cell 1408 and each second cell 1410. A second connector element 1442, disposed between each second cell 1410 and each third cell 1434. The second connector element 1442 is electrically connected to each second cell terminal 1420b of the second cells 1410 and each second cell terminal 1420c of the third cells 1434.

[0243] Each third cell 1434 of the power accumulator module 1402 is a duplicate of a first cell 1408, translated along the substrate 1404 in the first direction 1430. Thus, a sixth delineation feature 1440 transects each third distal end portion of the elongate grooves of a third cell 1434 in the same manner as the first delineation feature 1422 of a first cell 1408.

[0244] Each first cell 1408 is thus oriented as a reflection of a second cell 1410 about the first connector element 1412 and each third cell 1434 is oriented as a reflection of a second cell 1410 about the second connector element 1442.

[0245] Each second cell 1410 includes a first aperture 1470. Each of the first apertures 1470 is positioned within a second cell terminal 1420b of the second cell 1410. The first apertures 1470 each provide an electrical connection between the respective second cell terminal 1420b and a first conductive region 1476 on the second planar surface 1474.

[0246] Each second cell 1310 also includes a second aperture 1472. Each of the second apertures 1472 is positioned within a second cell terminal 1420b of the second cell 1410. The second apertures 1472 each provide an electrical connection between the respective second cell terminal 1420b and a second conductive region 1478 on the second planar surface 1474.

[0247] The second planar surface 1474 includes the first conductive region 1476 and second conductive region 1478 spaced apart in the first direction 1430 by a gap 1482. The gap 1482 is an elongate region of the second planar surface 1474 configured to electrically isolate the first conductive region 1476 from the second conductive region 1478. In the example, second planar surface 1474 is formed of an insulating material. The gap 1482 is an uncoated region on the second planar surface 1474 dimensioned such that electrical charge is unable to flow from first conductive region 1476 to second conductive region 1478. The first conductive region 1476, second conductive region 1478, and gap 1482 may be provided on second planar surface 1474 using any suitable application techniques, such as spray coating or lamination. As the application process does not require high accuracy, the application provides electrically connectivity at low costs.

[0248] Each first aperture 1470 and each second aperture 1472 may be formed in the same way as the first aperture 124 and second aperture 126 of the example shown in FIG. IC. Each first aperture 1470 of the plurality of first apertures 1470 is spaced apart from the plurality of second apertures 1472 in the first direction 1430. The spacing in the first direction 1430 is at least as wide as the gap 1482 on the second planar surface 1474.

[0249] As the second cell terminals 1420a, 1420b of the first cell 1408 and second cell 1410 are each electrically connected via the first connector element 1412, then each first aperture 1470 provides an electrical connection to the first conductive region 1476 for each of the first cells 1408 and second cells 1410. Furthermore, as the first cell terminals 1418b, 1420c are electrically connected via the second connector element 1442, then each second aperture 1472 provides an electrical connection to the second conductive region 1478 for both the second cell 1410 and the third cell 1434.

[0250] The first conductive region 1476 is provided at the first edge region of the substrate 1404 on the second planar surface 1474. The polarity of first conductive region 1476 is the same as the corresponding first edge region of substrate 1404 on the first planar surface 1406. Thus a first module terminal may be conveniently connected to the first edge region of the substrate 1404, for example by clamping the first planar surface 1406 and the second planar surface 1474 at the first edge region.

[0251] The first second conductive region 1478 is provided at the second edge region of the substrate 1404 on the second planar surface 1474. The polarity of second conductive region 1478 is the same as the corresponding second edge region of substrate 1404 on the first planar surface 1406. Thus a second module terminal may be conveniently connected to the second edge region of the substrate 1404, for example by clamping the first planar surface 1406 and the second planar surface 1474 at the second edge regions.

[0252] The individual first cells 1408, second cells 1410, and third cells 1434are thereby electrically connectable in parallel using the first conductive region 1476 and the second conductive region 1478, regardless of the length of the substrate 304. Electrical power is conveniently extracted in use from the power accumulator module 1402 for any length of substrate 1404.

[0253] Referring now to FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B, there is shown an example power accumulator module 1502 according to an aspect. Where the features are the same as other examples, the reference numbers are also the same, but with “15” as the initial digits.

[0254] In particular, a substrate 1504 includes power accumulator module 1502 substantially the same as the examples described with reference to FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B, other than the plurality of first apertures 1570 and the plurality of second apertures 1572 are aligned in the second direction 1532.

[0255] The second planar surface 1574 includes a first conductive region 1576, a second conductive region 1578 and a gap (not shown) extending between the first conductive region 1576 and second conductive region 1578. The gap electrically isolates the 1576 and second conductive region 1578. In the present example, the gap follows a castellated path in the second direction 1532. Thus the second planar surface 1574 includes an interface region 1584 encompassing the first apertures 1570, the second apertures 1572 and the gap. In this way the first conductive region 1576 is interdigitated with the second conductive region 1578.

[0256] As will be appreciated, the interface region may be adapted in a number of ways while maintaining a gap between the first conductive region and second conductive region on the second planar surface. The gap may follow any suitable path to electrically isolate the first apertures and the second apertures on the second planar surface, such as a serpentine path around the first apertures and second apertures.

[0257] Referring now to FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B, there is shown an example power accumulator module 1602 according to an aspect. Where the features are the same as other examples, the reference numbers are also the same, but with “16” as the initial digits.

[0258] In particular, a substrate 1604 includes power accumulator module 1602 substantially the same as the examples described with reference to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B other than the plurality of first cells 1608 and the plurality of second cells 1610 of the power accumulator module 1602 are each duplicated and translated along the substrate 1604 in the first direction 1630. The power accumulator module 1602 includes a four sets of cells spaced apart in the first direction 1630.

[0259] The power accumulator module 1602 includes a plurality of first apertures 1670 and a plurality of second apertures 1672 spaced apart in the first direction 1630. A first portion of the first apertures 1670 are positioned within each second cell terminal 1620a of the first cells 1608. A second portion of first apertures 1670 are positioned within each second cell terminal 1620b of the second cells 1610. A third portion of first apertures 1670 are positioned within each second cell terminal 1620d of the duplicate second cells 1610. Each first aperture 1670 is configured to provide an electrical connection from the respective second cell terminal to the second planar surface 1674.

[0260] A first portion of the second apertures 1672 are positioned within each first cell terminal 1618b of the second cells 1610. A second portion of second apertures 1672 are positioned within each first cell terminal 1618c of the duplicate first cells 1608. Each second aperture 1672 is configured to provide an electrical connection from the respective first cell terminal to the second planar surface 1674.

[0261] The second planar surface 1674 includes a first conductive region 1676, a second conductive region 1678 and a gap (not shown) extending between the first conductive region 1676 and second conductive region 1678. The gap electrically isolates the first conductive region 1676 from the second conductive region 1678. The gap follows a castellated path in the second direction 1632. Thus the second planar surface 1674 includes an interface region 1684 encompassing the first apertures 1670, the second apertures 1672 and the gap. In this way the first conductive region 1676 is interdigitated with the second conductive region 1678.

[0262] The first conductive region 1676 and second conductive region 1678 thus each provide electrical connection of cell terminals of the same polarity of the different cells via the second planar surface 1674.

[0263] As will be appreciated, the number of cells in the power accumulator module may be adapted to include any number of cells spaced apart in the first direction. The first apertures, second apertures, and interface region of a power accumulator module containing any number of even number of cells may be provided by adding further duplications of the first cell and second cell on the first planar surface, and by extending the interface region on the second planar surface.

[0264] Referring now to FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B, there is shown an example power accumulator module 1702 according to an aspect. Where the features are the same as other examples, the reference numbers are also the same, but with “17” as the initial digits.

[0265] In particular, a substrate 1704 includes power accumulator module 1702 substantially the same as the examples described with reference to FIG. 15 A and FIG. 15B other than a further set of first cells 1708 and second cells 1710 are duplicated and positioned adjacent to the third cell 1734. The power accumulator module 1702 includes a five sets of cells spaced apart in the first direction 1730.

[0266] The power accumulator module 1702 includes a pair of first connector elements 1712 and a pair of second connector elements 1742. The second connector elements 1742 delimit each pair of a first cell 1708 and a second cell 1710.

[0267] The power accumulator module 1702 includes a plurality of first apertures 1770 and a plurality of second apertures 1772 spaced apart in the first direction 1730. The first apertures 1770 are each positioned within respective second cell terminals 1720b of the second cells 1710. Each first aperture 1770 is configured to provide an electrical connection from the respective second cell terminal to the second planar surface 1674.

[0268] The second apertures 1772 are each positioned within respective second cell terminals 1718b of the second cells 1710. Each second aperture 1772 is configured to provide an electrical connection from the respective first cell terminal to the second planar surface 1774.

[0269] The second planar surface 1774 includes a first conductive region 1776, a second conductive region 1778 and a gap (not shown) extending between the first conductive region 1776 and second conductive region 1778 in the same manner as the example of FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B.

[0270] The first conductive region 1776 and second conductive region 1778 thus provide electrical connection of cell terminals of the same polarity of the different cells via the second planar surface 1674.

[0271] The first conductive region 1776 is provided at the first edge region of the substrate 1704 on the second planar surface 1774. The polarity of first conductive region 1776 is the same as the corresponding first edge region of substrate 1704 on the first planar surface 1706. Thus a first module terminal may be conveniently connected to the first edge regions of the substrate 1704, for example by clamping the first planar surface 1706 and the second planar surface 1774 at the first edge region.

[0272] The first second conductive region 1778 is provided at the second edge region of the substrate 1704 on the second planar surface 1774. The polarity of second conductive region 1778 is the same as the corresponding second edge region of substrate 1704 on the first planar surface 1706. Thus a second module terminal may be conveniently connected to the second edge regions of the substrate 1704, for example by clamping the first planar surface 1706 and the second planar surface 1774 at the second edge regions.

[0273] As will be appreciated, the number of cells in the power accumulator module may be adapted to include any number of cells spaced apart in the first direction. The first apertures, second apertures, and interface region of a power accumulator module containing any number of odd number of cells may be provided by adding further duplications of the first cell and second cell on the first planar surface, and by extending the interface region on the second planar surface.

[0274] Referring now to FIG. 18A to FIG. 18D, there is shown the steps of a method of forming a power accumulator module 1902 according to an aspect. The power accumulator module 1902 may be representative of any power accumulator module described herein.

[0275] In the example, the first delineation feature 1922 and the second delineation feature 1924 are aligned away from the second direction 1932 so as to transect each elongate groove of the respective series away from the perpendicular. The power accumulator module 1902 includes delineation angles oriented at an acute angle or at an obtuse angle to the first direction 1930. However, the described method may also be used to form a power accumulator module in which the delineation feature is oriented to be parallel to the second direction 1932.

[0276] Referring particularly to FIG. 18 A, a first step of the method includes providing a substrate 1904 that extends in a first direction 1930 and in a second direction 1932 perpendicular to the first direction 1930. The substrate 1904 includes a first planar surface 1906 having a plurality of first series 1914 of elongate grooves and a plurality of second series 1916 of elongate grooves.

[0277] Within each first series 1914 of elongate grooves, each elongate groove has a first groove length along the first direction between a first proximal end portion and a first distal end portion. A first delineation feature 1922 transects each first distal end portion of a first series 1914 of elongate grooves and extends beyond the respective first series 1914 in the second direction. The first delineation feature 1922 transects each first distal end portion of a respective first series 1914 of elongate grooves at a first delineation angle 1952 to the first direction. In the example, the first delineation angle 1952 is 60 degrees.

[0278] Within each second series 1916 of elongate grooves, each elongate groove has a second groove length along the first direction between a second proximal end portion and a second distal end portion. A second delineation feature 1924 transects each second proximal end portion of a second series 1916 and extends beyond the respective first series 1914 of elongate grooves in the second direction. The second delineation feature 1924 transects each second proximal end portion of the respective second series 1916 of elongate grooves at a second delineation angle 1954 to the first direction 1930. In the example, the second delineation angle 1954 is 60 degrees.

[0279] The first step also includes providing a first substrate portion disposed, in the first direction, between the first series 1914 of elongate grooves and the second series 1916 of elongate grooves.

[0280] A second step of the method includes applying a first conductor material to the substrate to form at least a first module terminal on the first planar surface. The connector element 1912 is formed on the first substrate portion by the deposition of the first conductor material thereon.

[0281] The first conductor material also provides an electrical connection from the first connector element to the first module terminal. Typically, the first module terminal is formed at a first edge region of the substrate 1904.

[0282] The first conductor material may be applied by moving the substrate 1904 in the second direction, through a dispenser assembly 1995, wherein the dispenser assembly 1995 dispenses the first conductor material onto the substrate 1904 . In the example, the first conductor material is applied to the first planar surface 1906 using an off-axis coating technique as described herein, so that first conductor material is received on the first planar surface 1906 and selectively on a first face of each elongate groove of the power accumulator module 1902. The first conductor material is dispensed at a first deposition angle.

[0283] Referring particularly to FIG. 18B, a third step of the method includes masking the substrate 1904 with a mask 1990 to cover at least the transected first distal end portion of each first series 1914 of elongate grooves, the transected second proximal end portion of each second series 1916 of elongate grooves, and the first substrate portion. Thus, after coating the substrate 1904 with conductor materials, short circuits between the transected elongate grooves in a series are prevented.

[0284] A fourth step of the method includes moving the substrate 1904 in the second direction 1932 through a dispenser assembly 1995. The dispenser assembly 1995 dispenses a second conductor material onto the substrate 1904. The second conductor material is dispensed at a second deposition angle. In the example, the first deposition angle is different to the second deposition angle.

[0285] Referring particularly to FIG. 18C, a fifth step of the method includes coating the first series 1914 of elongate grooves and the second series 1916 of elongate grooves with the second conductor material dispensed from the dispenser assembly 1995 to form a second module terminal on the substrate 1904. Typically, the second module terminal is formed at a second edge region of the substrate 1904, wherein the first edge region and the second edge region are located proximal to opposing edges of the substrate 1904 in the first direction.

[0286] In the example, the second conductor material is applied to the first planar surface 1906 using an off-axis coating technique as described herein, so that second conductor material is received on the first planar surface 1906 and selectively on a second face of each elongate groove of the power accumulator module 1902.

[0287] As will be apparent, the second step of the method may be performed immediately after the first step, or may be performed immediately after the fifth step. That is the first conductor material is applied to the substrate 1904 either before or after the second conductor material so long as the first substrate portion is exposed to receive the first conductor material. Where the second step of the method is performed after the fifth step, then the mask 1990 is removed from the first planar surface 1906 prior to second step in order to expose the first substrate portion.

[0288] Accordingly the method provides a convenient manufacturing technique for a power accumulator module 1902 in which cell terminals are provided to electrically connect in parallel each series of elongate grooves in an efficient manner. The elongate grooves of each series are electrically connected in series without risk of a short circuit between transected grooves.

[0289] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above examples have been described by way of example only and not m any limitative sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Various modifications to the detailed designs as described above are possible, for example, variations may exist in number, shape, size, arrangement, assembly or the like. For example, any number of grooves or any number of delineation features or delineation elements may be used in a cell, and any number of cells may be used in a module or a power accumulator device. Further, the delineation features and delineation elements may intersect the grooves at any appropriate delineation angle and may be shaped in any appropriate way. Further, various grooves, delineation features, delineation elements, connecting portions or the like may be partially filled, filled, completely filled, or coated, as described herein. Mere reference to coating or filling in one example does not preclude the possibility of filling or coating, respectively, the feature of said example.

[0290] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0291] Features, integers, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0292] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A power accumulator module, including a substrate extending in a first direction and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the substrate comprising:a first planar surface comprising:a first cell having a first series of elongate grooves, each elongate groove having, in the first direction, a first groove length between a first proximal end portion and a first distal end portion, wherein, in the second direction, the first series of elongate grooves is disposed between a first pair of cell terminals, and wherein each elongate groove of the first series is electrically connected in series with an adjacent elongate groove of the first series;a second cell, spaced apart from the first cell in the first direction and having a second series of elongate grooves, each elongate groove having, in the first direction, a second groove length between a second proximal end portion and a second distal end portion, wherein, in the second direction, the second series of elongate grooves is disposed between a second pair of cell terminals, and wherein each elongate groove of the second series is electrically connected in series with an adjacent elongate groove of the second series; anda connector element, disposed between the first cell and the second cell, wherein the connector element is electrically connected to a first cell terminal of the first cell and a first cell terminal of the second cell;and wherein:at least one of the first groove length and the second groove length is in a range of from 50 millimetres to 500 millimetres; orthe first groove length and the second groove length have an aggregate length in a range of from 50 millimetres to 1000 millimetres.

2. A power accumulator module of claim 1, wherein the first cell comprises a first delineation feature configured to transect each first distal end portion of the first series of elongate grooves, and to extend beyond the first series of elongate grooves to electrically isolate the second cell terminal of the first cell from the connector element; andwherein the second cell comprises a second delineation feature configured to transect each second proximal end portion of the second series of elongate grooves, and to extend beyond thesecond series of elongate grooves to electrically isolate the second cell terminal of the second cell from the connector element.

3. A power accumulator module of claim 2, wherein the first delineation feature transects each first distal end portion of the first series of elongate grooves at a first delineation angle to the first direction, and wherein the first delineation angle is in a range of from 10 degrees to 170 degrees, preferably in a range of from 45 degrees to 135 degrees.

4. A power accumulator module of claim 2 or 3, wherein the second delineation feature transects each second proximal end portion of the second series of elongate grooves at a second delineation angle to the first direction, and wherein the second delineation angle is in a range of from 10 degrees to 170 degrees, preferably in a range of from 45 degrees to 135 degrees.

5. A power accumulator module of claim 4, wherein the first delineation angle is equal to the second delineation angle.

6. A power accumulator module of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein any cell terminal of the first cell or the second cell has a terminal width in the second direction in the range of from 1 micron to 20 microns, preferably in the range of from 4 microns to 12 microns.

7. A power accumulator module of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:a plurality of first cells spaced apart along the second direction of the substrate, each first cell having a respective first series of elongate grooves disposed in a second direction between a first pair of cell terminals; anda plurality of second cells spaced apart along the second direction, each second cell having a respective second series of elongate grooves disposed in a second direction between a second pair of cell terminals;wherein the connector element is electrically connected to each of the first cell terminals of the first cells as well as each of the first cell terminals of the second cells.

8. A power accumulator module of claim 7, wherein the first cell terminal of one first cell is electrically isolated from the second cell terminal of an adjacent first cell by a delineation element.

9. A power accumulator module of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first planar surface comprises:a third cell, spaced apart from the second cell in the first direction and having a third series of elongate grooves, each elongate groove having, in the first direction, a third groove length between a third proximal end portion and a third distal end portion, wherein, in the second direction, the third series of elongate grooves is disposed between a third pair of cell terminals, and wherein each elongate groove of the third series is electrically connected in series with an adjacent elongate groove of the third series; anda second connector element, disposed between the second cell and the third cell, wherein the second connector element is electrically connected to a second cell terminal of the second cell and a second cell terminal of the third cell;and wherein the first groove length, second groove length, and the third groove length have an aggregate length in a range of from 150 millimetres to 1500 millimetres.

10. A power accumulator device comprising a plurality of power accumulator modules according any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each pair of module terminals of the respective power accumulator modules are electrically connected in parallel to a pair of device terminals.

11. A power accumulator module, including a substrate extending m a first direction and m a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the substrate comprising:a pair of module terminals configured for extraction of an electrical charge from the power accumulator module; anda first planar surface having:a first cell having a first series of elongate grooves, each elongate groove having, in the first direction, a first groove length between a first proximal end portion and a first distal end portion, wherein, in the second direction, the first series of elongate groove is disposed between a first pair of cell terminals, and wherein each elongate groove of the first series is electrically connected in series with an adjacent elongate groove of the first series;a second cell, spaced apart from the first cell in the first direction and having a second series of elongate grooves, each groove having, in the first direction, a second groove length between a second proximal end portion and a second distal end portion, wherein, in the second direction, the second series of grooves is disposed between a second pair of cell terminals, and wherein each elongate groove of the second series is electrically connected in series with an adjacent elongate groove of the second series; anda connector element, disposed between the first cell and the second cell, wherein the connector element is electrically connected to a first cell terminal of the first cell and a first cell terminal of the second cell;and wherein the first pair of cell terminals and the second pair of cell terminals are electrically connected in parallel to the pair of module terminals.

12. The power accumulator module of claim 11, wherein the first module terminal is electrically connected to the connector element.

13. The power accumulator module of claim 11 or 12, wherein the first cell terminal of a first cell is electrically isolated from the second cell terminal of an adjacent first cell by a delineation element.

14. The power accumulator module of any one of claims 11 to 13, the substrate further comprising a first aperture configured to provide electrical communication between the first planar surface and the second planar surface.

15. The power accumulator module of any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the first aperture is positioned, on the first planar surface, within the second cell terminal of either the first cell or the second cell, and is configured to electrically connect the respective second cell terminal to a first conductive region engaged with the second planar surface.

16. A power accumulator module including a pair of module terminals for extraction of an electrical charge from the power accumulator module, the power accumulator module comprising a substrate extending in a first direction and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the substrate comprising:a first planar surface comprising a first cell, a second cell, and a connector element, wherein the connector element is disposed, in the first direction, between the first cell and the second cell and is electrically connected to a first module terminal of the pair of module terminals;a second planar surface engaged with a first conductive region, wherein the first conductive region is electrically connected to a second module terminal of the pair of module terminals; anda first aperture in the substrate, the first aperture configured to provide electrical communication between the first planar surface and the second planar surface;wherein the first cell has a first series of elongate grooves, each elongate groove having, in the first direction, a first groove length between a first proximal end portion and a first distal end portion, wherein, in the second direction, the first series of elongate groove is disposed between afirst pair of cell terminals, and wherein each elongate groove of the first series is electrically connected in series with an adjacent elongate groove of the first series;wherein the second cell has a second series of elongate grooves, each elongate groove having, in the first direction, a second groove length between a second proximal end portion and a second distal end portion, wherein, in the second direction, the second series of grooves is disposed between a second pair of cell terminals, and wherein each elongate groove of the second series is electrically connected in series with an adjacent elongate groove of the second series;wherein the connector element is electrically connected to a first cell terminal of the first cell and a first cell terminal of the second cell; andwherein the first aperture is positioned, on the first planar surface, within the second cell terminal of the first cell or the second cell and is configured to electrically connect the second cell terminal to the first conductive region engaged with the second planar surface.

17. The power accumulator module of claim 16, wherein the first conductive region comprises a conductor material formed on the second planar surface.

18. The power accumulator module of claim 16, further comprising an engagement element configured to be contactingly mounted to the second planar surface, and wherein the first conductive region comprises a conductor material formed on the engagement element.

19. The power accumulator module of any one of claims 16 to 18, further comprising:a plurality of first cells spaced apart along the second direction of the substrate, each first cell comprising a first series of elongate grooves disposed in a second direction between a first pair of cell terminals;a plurality of second cells spaced apart along the second direction, each second cell comprising a second series of elongate grooves disposed in a second direction between a second pair of cell terminals;wherein the connector element is electrically connected to each of the first cell terminals of the first cells as well as each of the first cell terminals of the second cells; andwherein the substrate includes a plurality of first apertures, each configured to electrically connect the first cell terminal of a respective second cell to the conductive region.

20. The power accumulator module of any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the first planar surface comprises:a third cell, spaced apart from the second cell in the first direction and having a third series of elongate grooves, each elongate groove having, in the first direction, a third groove length between a third proximal end portion and a third distal end portion, wherein, in the second direction, the third series of elongate grooves is disposed between a third pair of cell terminals, and wherein each elongate groove of the third series is electrically connected in series with an adjacent elongate groove of the third series; anda second connector element, disposed between the second cell and the third cell, wherein the second connector element is electrically connected to a second cell terminal of the second cell and a second cell terminal of the third cell.

21. A power accumulator module comprising:a substrate extending in a first direction and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the substrate comprising a first planar surface having a first cell, a second cell spaced apart from the first cell in the first direction, and a first connector element, wherein the first connector elements is disposed, in the first direction, between the first cell and the second cell;wherein the first cell comprises:a first series of elongate grooves, each elongate groove having, in the first direction, a first groove length between a first proximal end portion and a first distal end portion, wherein, in the second direction, the first series of elongate grooves is disposed between a first pair of cell terminals, and wherein each elongate groove of the first series is electrically connected in series with an adjacent elongate groove of the first series; anda first delineation feature configured to transect each first distal end portion of the first series of elongate grooves;and wherein the second cell comprises:a second series of elongate grooves, each elongate groove having, in the first direction, a second groove length between a second proximal end portion and a second distal end portion, wherein, in the second direction, the second series of elongate grooves is disposed between a second pair of cell terminals, and wherein each elongate groove of the second series is electrically connected in series with an adjacent elongate groove of the second series; anda second delineation feature configured to transect each second proximal end portion of the second series of elongate grooves;wherein the connector element is electrically connected to a first cell terminal of the first cell and a first cell terminal of the second cell;wherein the first delineation feature extends beyond the respective first series of elongate grooves to electrically isolate the second cell terminal of the first cell from the first connector element; andwherein the second delineation feature extends beyond the respective second series of elongate grooves to electrically isolate the second cell terminal of the second cell from the first connector element.

22. The power accumulator module of claim 21, further comprising:a first aperture in the substrate configured to provide electrical communication between the first planar surface and a first conductive region;wherein the first aperture is positioned, on the first planar surface, within the second cell terminal of the first cell and is configured to electrically connect the second cell terminal to the first conductive region engaged with the second planar surface.

23. The power accumulator module of claim 22, further comprising:a second aperture in the substrate configured to provide electrical communication between the first planar surface and second conductive region;wherein the second aperture is positioned, on the first planar surface, within the second cell terminal of the second cell and is configured to electrically connect the second cell terminal to the first conductive region engaged with the second planar surface.

24. The power accumulator module of any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the first planar surface further comprises:a third cell, spaced apart from the second cell in the first direction and having a third series of elongate grooves, each elongate groove having, in the first direction, a third groove length between a third proximal end portion and a third distal end portion, wherein, in the second direction, the third series of elongate grooves is disposed between a third pair of cell terminals, and wherein each elongate groove of the third series is electrically connected in series with an adjacent elongate groove of the third series; anda second connector element, disposed between the second cell and the third cell, wherein the second connector element is electrically connected to a second cell terminal of the second cell and a second cell terminal of the third cell;wherein the second cell comprises a third delineation feature configured to transect each second distal end portion of the second series of elongate grooves, and wherein the third delineation feature extends beyond the respective second series of elongate grooves to electrically isolate the first cell terminal of the second cell from the second connector element; andwherein the third cell comprises a fourth delineation feature configured to transect each first distal end portion of the first series of elongate grooves, and wherein the fourth delineation feature extends beyond the respective third series of elongate grooves to electrically isolate the first cell terminal of the third cell from the second connector element.

25. A method of forming a power accumulator module; the method comprising:providing a substrate that extends in a first direction and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the substrate comprising a first planar surface having:- a first series of elongate grooves, each elongate groove having a first groove length along a first direction of the substrate between a first proximal end portion and a first distal end portion, and a first delineation feature configured to transect each first distal end portion of the first series of elongate grooves and to extend beyond the first series of elongate grooves in the second direction;- a second series of elongate grooves, each elongate groove having a second groove length along the first direction of the substrate between a second proximal end portion and a second distal end portion, and a second delineation feature configured to transect each second proximal end portion of the second series and to extend beyond the first series of elongate grooves in the second direction; and- a first substrate portion disposed, in the first direction, between the first series of elongate grooves and the second series of elongate grooves;applying a first conductor material to the substrate to form at least a first module terminal on the first planar surface;masking the substrate with a mask to cover at least: the first distal end portion of each elongate groove of the first series, the second proximal end portion of each elongate groove of the second series, and the first substrate portion;moving the substrate in the second direction through a dispenser assembly configured to dispense a second conductor material onto the substrate; andcoating the first series of elongate grooves and the second series of elongate grooves with the second conductor material dispensed from the dispenser assembly to form a second module terminal on the substrate.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the step of applying a first conductor material to the substrate forms a first connector element on the first substrate portion, and wherein the first connector element is electrically connected to the first module terminal.

27. The method of claim 25 or 26, wherein the step of forming the first connector element on the first substrate portion comprises:moving the substrate direction through the dispenser assembly; anddispensing the first conductor material at a first deposition angle to the first planar surface..

28. The method of any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the dispenser assembly dispenses the second conductor material at a second deposition angle to the first planar surface.57

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