3D Transparent Photovoltaic Cell Balancing Transparency and Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic cells face a trade-off between high transparency and high power conversion efficiency for visible light, as current light-absorbing materials absorb visible light, making it difficult to achieve both characteristics simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A transparent photovoltaic cell with a three-dimensional structure is developed, featuring a transparent substrate with micro-pillars that have transparent windows on top, and a photoelectric converter on the surface and sides of the micro-pillars, allowing for adjustable effective solar absorption areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If light-absorbing materials are used in photovoltaic cells, then power conversion efficiency is improved, but transparency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic cell is segmented into multiple functional layers including a transparent substrate, photoelectric converter layer, transparent insulating layer, and transparent electrode layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function while maintaining overall transparency, resolving the contradiction between light absorption for power generation and transparency for visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making specific layers transparent (substrate, insulating layer, electrode layer) while concentrating the light-absorbing photoelectric converter in a controlled manner. The transparent windows on micro-pillars create localized transparent regions, allowing the cell to absorb light where needed while maintaining transparency in other areas.
2Illumination intensity
If transparent windows are formed on micro-pillars, then transparency is improved, but effective solar absorption area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar structure to a three-dimensional structure with micro-pillars having vertical sides. This dimensional change allows the photoelectric converter to be applied not only on the upper surface but also on the vertical side surfaces of the micro-pillars, effectively utilizing the third dimension to increase absorption area without compromising transparency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the photoelectric converter is positioned between and around the micro-pillars, with transparent windows formed on the micro-pillar upper parts. The light absorbing layer is selectively removed from micro-pillar tops to create transparent windows, while the photoelectric converter remains on the side surfaces, creating a nested arrangement that optimizes both transparency and absorption.
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
This design achieves a balance between high transparency and high power conversion efficiency by optimizing the transmittance and effective solar absorption area, enhancing the usability of photovoltaic cells in applications like Building Integrated Photovoltaics and IoT devices.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric converter formed on an upper surface of the transparent substrate between each of the plurality of micro-pillars and on side surfaces of each micro-pillar, and configured to generate power through absorption of incident sunlight
Implementation Method 2
formed with respective transparent windows, through which incident sunlight transmits, on respective upper parts
Implementation Method 3
a light reflecting film formed on a lower part of the transparent substrate and configured to reflect or refract light other than visible light among the sunlight incident through the transparent windows
Implementation Method 4
a light reflecting film formed on a lower part of the transparent substrate and configured to reflect or refract light other than visible light
Data Source
AI summary
A transparent photovoltaic cell is proposed. The transparent photovoltaic cell may include a transparent substrate, a plurality of micro-pillars arranged on an upper part of the transparent substrate and formed with respective transparent windows, through which incident sunlight transmits, on respective upper parts thereof. The transparent photovoltaic cell may also include a photoelectric converter formed on an upper surface of the transparent substrate between each of the plurality of micro-pillars and on side surfaces of each micro-pillar, and configured to generate power through absorption of incident sunlight.