Contactless Solar Cell Evaluation via Pulsed Optical Pumping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solar cell evaluation apparatuses are unsuitable for roll-to-roll continuous production systems as they require electrical contact, making it difficult to assess solar cells during the manufacturing process without damaging them, leading to potential defects in long rolls of solar cells.

Innovation Solution

A photoelectric conversion element evaluation apparatus that uses a probe light source and a pump light source to irradiate solar cells with pulsed light, allowing for contactless measurement of the solar cells' characteristics by detecting changes in the probe light, enabling precise evaluation on a production line without damaging the cells.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrical contact measurement is used to evaluate solar cell characteristics, then measurement capability is achieved, but the solar cell may be damaged and electrical connection is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolar cell integrityVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical contact-based measurement system with an optical measurement system. Instead of using ammeters and voltmeters that require electrical connections to the solar cell electrodes, the invention uses light sources and light receiving elements to non-contactly measure current-voltage characteristics through optical signals, thereby eliminating the risk of physical damage while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium between the measurement system and the solar cell. By using light sources to irradiate the solar cell and light receiving elements to detect the emitted or transmitted light, the system mediates the measurement process without requiring direct electrical contact, thus preserving solar cell integrity while obtaining electrical characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If contactless optical measurement is used, then solar cell damage is prevented, but measurement capability must be established through alternative means

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolar cell integrityVSAvoidmeasurement implementation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes electrical measurement methods with optical measurement methods. By utilizing the photoelectric conversion properties of the solar cell itself, the system measures current-voltage characteristics through light emission or transmission changes, eliminating the need for electrical contacts while maintaining full measurement capability through optical detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent leverages the solar cell's own photoelectric conversion function to perform self-measurement. The solar cell's inherent ability to convert light to electricity is utilized in reverse - using its electrical activity to modulate light signals that can be detected externally, allowing the device to serve as both the object of measurement and the measurement mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If traditional evaluation apparatus is used, then current-voltage characteristic measurement is achieved, but the apparatus requires electrical connection and is unsuitable for continuous production

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous production compatibilityVSAvoidmeasurement operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex electrical connection system with a simple optical alignment system. By using light sources and detectors that can be positioned above or beside the solar cell without contacting electrodes, the measurement system becomes compatible with continuous production lines where solar cells move through the process, maintaining operational simplicity while enabling high-speed non-contact measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables accurate and precise evaluation of solar cell characteristics in a contactless manner, allowing for early detection of defective elements and minimizing losses, thereby improving yield in roll-to-roll continuous production systems.

Implementation Method 1

a pump light source that irradiates the photoelectric conversion element being irradiated with the probe light with pulsed pump light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

a light receiving element that detects time dependency of a change in an amount of the probe light obtained from the photoelectric conversion element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10298174B2Photoelectric conversion element evaluation apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.05.21 YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

A photoelectric conversion element evaluation apparatus includes: a probe light source that irradiates a photoelectric conversion element as the object of measurement with probe light; a pump light source that irradiates the photoelectric conversion element being irradiated with the probe light with pulsed pump light; and a light receiving element that detects time dependency of a change in an amount of the probe light obtained from the photoelectric conversion element.