3D Peak Trough Optoelectronic Device for Solar Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar photovoltaic cells are expensive, inefficient, fragile, and difficult to manufacture, limiting their effectiveness as a renewable energy source.
Innovation Solution
An optoelectronic device featuring a substrate with a three-dimensional array of peaks and troughs, where the troughs are filled with a semiconductor material and the peaks are coated with conductor and semiconductor materials, creating an interconnected electrical circuit with enhanced p-n junctions for improved electrical current flow and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional solar photovoltaic cells are used, then electricity generation is achieved, but manufacturing cost is relatively high
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the photovoltaic structure into discrete peaks and troughs, with each peak representing an independent p-n junction unit. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of individual units that can be replicated across the substrate, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining effective electricity generation across the entire device surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different materials and structures to different regions: peaks are coated with conductor and semiconductor materials to create p-n junctions, while troughs are filled with semiconductor material to connect adjacent peaks. This local differentiation optimizes each region's function while creating a manufacturable patterned structure that reduces overall device cost.
2Power
If conventional solar photovoltaic cells are used, then electricity generation is achieved, but efficiency is relatively low
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from conventional planar photovoltaic structures to a three-dimensional array of peaks and troughs. This dimensional change increases the surface area for light absorption and creates multiple p-n junctions at different heights and positions, thereby improving the conversion efficiency of incident light to electrical current while maintaining manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure embeds multiple functional layers within the three-dimensional peaks and troughs: conductor material coats the first face of peaks, semiconductor material coats the second face, and additional semiconductor material fills the troughs. This nested arrangement of materials within the 3D structure maximizes light absorption and charge generation efficiency.
3Power
If conventional solar photovoltaic cells are used, then electricity generation is achieved, but the cells are relatively fragile
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs thin film coatings of conductor and semiconductor materials on the peaks, and filled troughs with semiconductor material, creating a structure that is inherently more flexible and resistant to mechanical stress than conventional rigid cells. This thin-film, three-dimensional structure can better withstand environmental stresses while maintaining electrical generation function.
4Power
If conventional solar photovoltaic cells are used, then electricity generation is achieved, but they are relatively difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the device into standardized peak units with consistent coating and filling processes, the invention enables modular manufacturing. Each peak-trough pair can be processed independently through systematic steps, simplifying the overall manufacturing workflow and reducing complexity compared to conventional approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes controlled variations in material deposition parameters and filling processes to create the three-dimensional structure. By systematically controlling coating thickness, peak dimensions, and filling levels, the device achieves improved performance while maintaining manufacturability through parameter optimization rather than complex process steps.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device achieves higher voltage output per unit surface area and increased efficiency, durability, and reduced manufacturing costs, making it more suitable for widespread renewable energy applications.
Implementation Method 1
The term photovoltaic refers to the production of electricity, normally direct electrical current, from light at the junction between two materials that are exposed to the light. The semiconductor materials used exhibit a photovoltaic effect.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
An optoelectronic device. The optoelectronic device comprising a substrate having a three-dimensional array of peaks and troughs. Each peak having a first and a second face. The troughs containing a first semiconductor material. The first face of each peak coated with a conductor material and the second face of each peak coated with a second semiconductor material.