Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Layering for Light Scattering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dye-sensitized solar cells face challenges in achieving high photoelectric conversion efficiency due to increased inner resistance and production costs, particularly when scaling up, and the weight of modules, which affects fill-factor (FF) and short-circuit current.
Innovation Solution
A dye-sensitized solar cell structure is developed with a conductive layer, a photoelectric conversion layer adsorbing dye in a porous semiconductor layer filled with a carrier transporting material, and a counter electrode, where the porous semiconductor layer has multiple layers with different light scattering properties, layered from lower to higher scattering properties, eliminating the need for a porous insulating layer and reducing transportation resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the solar cell surface area is enlarged to increase current output, then the generated current increases proportionally, but the inner resistance in series increases due to voltage decrease in the transparent conductive film plane direction, resulting in lowered fill-factor and short-circuit current
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the solar cell structure into multiple independent elements connected in series, with each element having its own transparent conductive film-bearing glass substrate. This segmentation reduces the plane direction dimensions of individual transparent conductive films, thereby reducing series resistance in each element while maintaining overall current output through series connection of multiple elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single large-area planar structure to a multi-element series configuration, effectively using the dimension of series connection to achieve both high current output (through increased active area) and low series resistance (through reduced individual element dimensions).
2Reliability
If a porous insulating layer is added to prevent contact between the photoelectric conversion layer and counter electrode, then leakage is prevented, but the transportation resistance of carrier transporting material increases and photoelectric conversion efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the porous insulating layer from the solar cell structure, extracting this unnecessary component that was causing increased transportation resistance. The design achieves leakage prevention through alternative means (proper electrode positioning and sealing) without requiring the insulating layer, thereby maintaining low transportation resistance and high photoelectric conversion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of direct contact between photoelectric conversion layer and counter electrode into a benefit by designing a structure where such contact is prevented through geometric arrangement and sealing, rather than using an insulating layer that would hinder carrier transport. The close proximity arrangement actually reduces transportation resistance while leakage is prevented through the sealing structure.
3Reliability
If multiple glass substrates with electrodes are used to form the solar cell module, then the module structure is established, but the production cost and weight are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional layers and components onto a single glass substrate, including the transparent conductive film, photoelectric conversion layer with porous semiconductor particles, and counter electrode. This integration reduces the number of separate glass substrates and assembly steps required, thereby lowering production cost and weight while maintaining module structure stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single glass substrate in the patent serves multiple functions: structural support, electrical insulation, and mounting platform for all active layers. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate substrates for each functional layer, reducing overall weight and production complexity while maintaining structural integrity.
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 enhances short-circuit current and fill-factor while reducing production costs and module weight, allowing for efficient light utilization and improved photoelectric conversion efficiency without the need for a porous insulating layer.
Implementation Method 1
the porous semiconductor layer has two or more layers with different light scattering properties
Implementation Method 2
a photoelectric conversion layer which contains a photoelectric conversion material having an absorption spectrum in a visible light region by adsorbing a photo-sensitive dye
Implementation Method 3
a wet type solar cell based on photo-induced electron transfer of a metal complex
Data Source
AI summary
A dye-sensitized solar cell formed by layering a conductive layer; a photoelectric conversion layer in which a dye is adsorbed in a porous semiconductor layer and the layer is filled with a carrier transporting material; and a counter electrode including only a counter electrode conductive layer or including a catalyst layer and a counter electrode conductive layer on a support made of a light transmitting material, in which the photoelectric conversion layer is brought into contact with the counter electrode; the porous semiconductor layer forming the photoelectric conversion layer has two or more layers with different light scattering properties; and the two or more porous semiconductor layers are layered in an order of from a layer with lower light scattering property to a layer with higher light scattering property from a light receiving face side of the dye-sensitized solar cell.