Bifacial Thin Film Solar Cell Light Reflection Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
In dense city areas, the limited open surface space for solar cell installation hinders the effective utilization of solar energy, particularly in vertical glass curtain walls, where thin film solar cells are ideal but require enhanced power generating capacity without compromising architectural design.
Innovation Solution
A bifacial thin film solar cell structure is developed, comprising a first and second transparent substrate, a metal layer acting as an electrode and light reflection layer, and an insulating or glue layer, allowing light to pass through and be reflected for increased energy conversion efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If thin film solar cells are installed on vertical glass curtain walls, then the available installation area is increased, but the power generating capacity per unit area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional single-sided solar cells to bifacial thin film solar cells that utilize both front and rear surfaces for light absorption. This dimensional change in light reception (from one-sided to two-sided) effectively doubles the active area for energy conversion, thereby increasing power generating capacity per unit installation area without compromising architectural design
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent substrate serves multiple functions: it acts as the structural support for the solar cell, allows light transmission to the active layers, and maintains the aesthetic transparency required for glass curtain wall applications. This multi-functionality enables the solar cell to generate power while preserving the architectural appearance
2Use of energy by moving object
If a metal layer is added as a light reflection layer, then the light utilization rate is increased, but the device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The metal layer is designed to perform dual functions: it serves as both the back electrode for electrical contact and as a light reflection layer to redirect unabsorbed light back into the active layers. This multi-functionality increases light utilization without requiring separate reflective components, thereby limiting the increase in structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the electrode function and light reflection function into a single metal layer component. By merging these two functions that would traditionally require separate elements, the structure remains relatively simple while achieving enhanced light utilization through reflection
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 bifacial design enhances the utilization of both sunlight and indoor light, increasing electrical power generating efficiency by reflecting incident light and improving the overall energy conversion process.
Implementation Method 1
Because the metal layer can reflect incident light (sunlight and indoor light), the utilization rate of sunlight and indoor light is increased
Implementation Method 2
light passing through the transparent plastic substrate or the glass substrate illuminates the solar cell units and initiates the light energy to electrical energy conversion procedure
Data Source
AI summary
A bifacial thin film solar cell and method for fabricating the same are provided. The solar cell has a first and a second transparent substrates, a first and a second solar cell modules, and an insulating layer. The first solar cell module is formed on the first transparent substrate, and has a metal layer as one of the electrodes of the first solar cell module and as a light reflection layer. The insulating layer is formed on the metal layer of the first solar cell module. The second solar cell module is formed between the insulating layer and the second transparent substrate.