Cross Grid Electrode Alignment for Concentrator Photovoltaic Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
In concentrator photovoltaic modules, precise alignment between solar cells and condenser lenses is challenging due to the obstruction of the solar cell's light receiving surface by secondary condenser lenses, leading to reduced power generation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of a solar cell with a cross grid electrode configuration on its light receiving surface, allowing for the recognition of a center-specific geometry through condenser lenses, enabling accurate positional adjustment of the lenses relative to the solar cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ball lens is disposed immediately before the light receiving surface to cover it, then the light receiving surface is protected and light concentration is improved, but the contour of the light receiving surface cannot be recognized, making alignment difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A mark table is introduced as an intermediary element between the ball lens and the light receiving surface. The mark table has light-transmissive markings that allow the contour of the light receiving surface to be recognized through the ball lens, enabling accurate alignment while the ball lens remains in place to protect and concentrate light
Solution Approach 2:
The mark table utilizes optical contrast (analogous to color changes) where the markings have different light transmission properties than the surrounding area. This creates visible contrast patterns that can be detected by imaging devices to determine the position and orientation of the light receiving surface
2Ease of manufacture
If mounting accuracy relative to the common housing is ensured, then assembly is simplified, but minute individual differences cause misalignment between the optical axis of the condenser lens and the center of the solar cell
Solution Approach 1:
The mark table provides self-aligning features that enable the solar cell and condenser lens to automatically align with each other during assembly. The light-transmissive markings serve as visual guides that allow operators or automated systems to quickly identify the correct positioning without requiring high-precision mounting fixtures
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical alignment methods (relying on precise housing mounting) with an optical alignment method using the mark table. Instead of depending on mechanical tolerances, the alignment is achieved through optical observation of the markings, which provides more precise and reliable positioning
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 configuration facilitates accurate mutual alignment between condenser lenses and solar cells, enhancing power generation efficiency by ensuring proper alignment despite the presence of secondary condenser lenses.
Implementation Method 1
Concentrator photovoltaic is based on a structure in which a solar cell formed by a small compound semiconductor element or the like having high power generation efficiency is irradiated with sunlight concentrated by a Fresnel lens
Implementation Method 2
there are cases where between the solar cell and the condenser lens such as a Fresnel lens, a ball lens as a secondary condenser lens is disposed immediately before the light receiving surface of the solar cell
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a solar cell for which accurate mutual alignment between a condenser lens and a power generating element corresponding thereto can be performed.In a solar cell 23, a plurality of grid electrodes 31 each formed in a linear shape are arrayed on a light receiving surface 23a along the width direction of the light receiving surface 23a. The plurality of grid electrodes 31 include a first center grid electrode 31a forming a cross portion 34 exhibiting a center-specific geometry caused by electrodes crossing each other at the center of the light receiving surface 23a.