Compound Semiconductor PV Device with Thin Absorber and Emitter Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar cells have low efficiency and high production costs, limiting their adoption as a mainstream energy source due to their inefficiencies and rigidity, which restricts their applications.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic device with a thin absorber layer made of a compound semiconductor and an emitter layer, forming a p-n junction, which increases efficiency by reducing dark current and allowing for greater flexibility through back-side electrical contacts and light trapping techniques such as antireflective coatings and diffusers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional solar cell structures are used, then manufacturing processes are simple, but conversion efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell is divided into multiple functional layers including a buffer layer, window layer, absorber layer, and contact layers with specific doping profiles. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall conversion efficiency while managing device complexity through systematic layer design
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the solar cell have different doping concentrations and material compositions tailored to local requirements. The emitter has higher doping than the base, and specific regions have optimized properties for light absorption, charge separation, and charge collection, thereby improving conversion efficiency without uniform complexity throughout
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional solar cell designs are used, then production costs are high, but this limits mainstream adoption
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes key parameters including doping concentrations (emitter: 1e18-1e20 atoms/cm³, base: 1e16-1e18 atoms/cm³), layer thicknesses, and material compositions to reduce manufacturing costs while maintaining or improving conversion efficiency. These parameter optimizations enable cost-effective production without sacrificing performance
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional rigid solar cell structures are used, then structural stability is maintained, but flexibility and application range are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell employs thin film structures with optimized layer thicknesses and material compositions that provide mechanical flexibility while maintaining electrical functionality. The buffer layer, window layer, and absorber layer are designed as thin films that can be deposited on flexible substrates, enabling bendable and wearable solar applications without compromising structural integrity during normal operation
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 solution enhances solar energy conversion efficiency, reduces production costs, and increases the flexibility of solar cells, making them suitable for a broader range of applications.
Implementation Method 1
the junction of a solar cell absorbs photons to produce electron-hole pairs, which are separated by the internal electric field of the junction to generate a voltage, thereby converting light energy to electric energy
Implementation Method 2
light trapping techniques such as antireflective coatings and diffusers
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided for converting electromagnetic radiation, such as solar energy, into electric energy with increased efficiency when compared to conventional solar cells. One embodiment of the present invention provides a photovoltaic (PV) device. The PV device comprises an absorber layer made of a compound semiconductor; and an emitter layer located closer than the absorber layer to a first side of the device. The PV device includes a p-n junction formed between the emitter layer and the absorber layer, the p-n junction causing a voltage to be generated in the device in response to the device being exposed to light at a second side of the device. Such innovations may allow for greater efficiency and flexibility in PV devices when compared to conventional solar cells.