3D Solar Cell with Reflective Coatings for Light Trapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar cells with flat structures have limited surface area and energy conversion efficiency due to the use of a single type of photovoltaic material, resulting in incomplete absorption of sunlight energy.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional solar cell design featuring a layer of transparent materials on top and inside, with photo-voltaic surface cells and reflective coatings on the sides and bottom, maximizing surface area and light distribution for enhanced energy conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a flat structure with single photovoltaic material is used, then the device complexity is low, but the energy conversion efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional flat solar cell structure to a three-dimensional configuration using vertical pillars or towers. This dimensional change increases the surface area available for photovoltaic material without proportionally increasing the device footprint, thereby improving energy conversion efficiency while managing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a multi-layered structure where photovoltaic cells are arranged in vertical stacks or nested configurations. Multiple photovoltaic materials are layered vertically, with each layer capturing different wavelengths of sunlight, effectively nesting functional elements to maximize energy absorption
2Loss of energy
If multiple types of photovoltaic materials are used, then the energy conversion efficiency improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the solar cell into multiple segmented photovoltaic layers or modules, each using different photovoltaic materials optimized for specific wavelength ranges. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each layer's material composition and thickness, improving overall energy conversion while enabling modular manufacturing approaches
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions or layers of the solar cell structure use different photovoltaic materials with specific properties tailored to their function. For example, top layers use materials optimized for high-energy photons while lower layers use materials for lower-energy photons, creating local quality variations that maximize overall efficiency
3Area of stationary object
If a flat solar cell structure is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the surface area for energy generation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs vertical pillars or towers that extend upward from the substrate, transforming the two-dimensional surface into a three-dimensional structure. This increases the effective surface area for light absorption and energy generation without requiring a proportional increase in the device's horizontal footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes curved or rounded surfaces on vertical pillars rather than flat planes, which can improve light trapping through multiple internal reflections and increase the effective surface area. The curved geometry also helps reduce shadowing between adjacent structures
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 3D design increases surface area for energy generation and minimizes energy loss by efficiently distributing and absorbing sunlight across multiple photovoltaic cells, leading to improved energy conversion efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the side walls and bottom end of the solar cell are coated with a reflective material
Implementation Method 2
A solar cell, also called photo-voltaic cell, is a device that converts the energy of light directly into electricity by the photovoltaic effect
Implementation Method 3
Solar cells are composed of various semiconducting materials, which absorb the different wavelengths in sunlight with different efficiencies
Data Source
AI summary
A solar cell system may maximize solar cell efficiency and minimize energy loss by collecting as much light as possible, using refraction and total internal reflection. The solar cell system includes a solar cell, a layer of a first transparent material placed on the top end of the solar cell, a layer of a second transparent material filling the interior cavity of the solar cell, a plurality of photo-voltaic surface cells incorporated in the solar cell, and the side walls and bottom end of the solar cell are coated with a reflective material.