Colored Tandem Solar Cell Module Without Photocurrent Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tandem solar cell modules face limitations in photocurrent and photovoltage matching, requiring precise adjustments in material thickness and band gap, which complicates material selection and structural optimization, especially in large-area applications, and increase power generation costs when coloring technologies are applied.
Innovation Solution
A tandem solar cell module design that eliminates the need for photocurrent matching by using an array of solar cells with inverse diode structures, where the first and second semiconductor layers are transparent to visible light, and the second electrode is opaque, allowing for color implementation without separate filters through distributed Bragg reflection principles, and connecting bottom and top cell arrays in series and parallel configurations with metal thin-film layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional tandem solar cell structures are used with series connection, then photovoltaic efficiency can be improved through light absorption, but photocurrent matching between top and bottom cells requires precise adjustment of material thickness and band gap, increasing device complexity and manufacturing difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional series connection approach by using parallel connection with inverse diode structures. Instead of requiring the top cell to transmit specific wavelengths to the bottom cell (series connection logic), the inverse diodes allow both cells to independently generate photocurrent that sums up in parallel, eliminating the need for photocurrent matching and complex material thickness adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the tandem solar cell into independent top and bottom cell arrays connected in parallel, with each array containing multiple inverse diodes. This segmentation allows each cell to operate independently without requiring precise photocurrent matching, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining high photovoltaic efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If coloring technologies are applied to tandem solar cells, then aesthetic functionality is improved, but separate color filters are required which increase power generation costs
Solution Approach 1:
The inverse diode structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it enables parallel connection for simplified photocurrent summation, provides inherent wavelength selectivity through its semiconductor layer composition, and eliminates the need for separate color filters. This multi-functionality reduces manufacturing complexity and power generation costs while maintaining color implementation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the separate color filter component from the system. Instead of adding color filters on top of conventional tandem cells, the wavelength-selective function is integrated directly into the inverse diode structure itself, removing the need for additional filtering layers and reducing overall system cost.
3Productivity
If precise material thickness and band gap adjustments are made for photocurrent matching, then power generation efficiency is improved, but material selection and structural optimization become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach of adjusting material properties to achieve matching. Instead of precisely controlling material thickness and band gap for series connection matching, the inverse diode parallel connection structure allows both cells to operate at their optimal independent efficiencies, with photocurrents simply summing in parallel, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
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 enhances power generation efficiency by eliminating the need for photocurrent matching and allows for color implementation without separate filters, reducing power generation costs and improving modularization of thin-film tandem solar cells.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for color implementation without separate filters through distributed Bragg reflection principles
Implementation Method 2
solar cells are semiconductor elements that directly convert solar energy into electrical energy
Implementation Method 3
only light having energy greater than or equal to band gap energy of silicon can generate electron-hole pairs
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a colored tandem solar cell module, and more particularly, a high-efficiency thin-film colored tandem solar cell module which does not require separate photocurrent matching, implements a color without a separate color filter, and generates power with high efficiency. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a colored tandem solar cell module including solar cells, which each include a bottom electrode having an inverse diode structure formed by sequentially stacking a first electrode, a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer, and a second electrode on a substrate, a light absorption layer formed on the bottom electrode, and a top electrode formed on the light absorption layer, thereby eliminating the need for photocurrent matching, implementing a color without a separate color filter, and improving efficiency.