Flexible Perovskite Thin-Film Stacks for Conformal Solar Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar panels are rigid and bulky, limiting their ability to efficiently collect solar energy on various surfaces and shapes, and existing transparent conducting oxides face challenges in achieving high transparency and conductivity for a wide solar spectrum.
Innovation Solution
A flexible photovoltaic thin film device with multiple layers, including a support film, wires, and stacked photovoltaic thin film layers composed of an outer protective layer, electrode layers, a perovskite semiconductor layer, and an adherent layer, which can be cut to size and adhered to different surfaces, including non-planar shapes, allowing for efficient solar energy collection from both sides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional silicon solar panels are used, then high solar energy conversion efficiency is achieved, but the device becomes rigid and bulky, limiting adaptability to various surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible thin film structures to create photovoltaic devices that can conform to various surfaces. Multiple thin film layers including transparent conducting oxide films, semiconductor layers, and buffer layers are deposited on flexible substrates, enabling the device to bend and adapt to curved or irregular surfaces while maintaining photovoltaic functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional rigid planar solar panels to flexible thin film structures that add the dimension of flexibility. By depositing multiple nanometer-thin layers on flexible substrates, the device gains the ability to conform to three-dimensional surfaces, effectively adding adaptability as a new dimension of functionality
2Illumination intensity
If transparent conducting oxide films are used to improve light transparency, then light transmission is enhanced, but electrical conductivity may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the composition and thickness parameters of transparent conducting oxide films to achieve the desired balance between transparency and conductivity. By controlling the doping concentration, film thickness, and material composition (such as ITO, FTO, or AZO), the device achieves sufficient electrical conductivity while maintaining high light transmission in the visible and near-infrared ranges
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite structures combining transparent conducting oxide films with other materials such as metal grids, nanowire networks, or conductive polymers. This composite approach allows the system to leverage the high transparency of TCOs while supplementing electrical conductivity through the integrated conductive network, achieving both optical and electrical performance requirements
3Area of stationary object
If conventional rigid solar panels are installed, then stable power generation is achieved, but the installation requires substantial real estate and cannot conform to non-planar surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible thin film photovoltaic structures that can be deployed on surfaces with limited area. The thin film device can wrap around curved surfaces, conform to building facades, or integrate into non-planar geometries, effectively utilizing available surface area that would be inaccessible to rigid panels while reducing the total real estate footprint required
4Adaptability or versatility
If the photovoltaic device is made flexible and thin, then adaptability to various surfaces is improved, but structural strength and durability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite structures combining multiple thin film layers (transparent conducting oxide, semiconductor, buffer layers) on flexible substrates such as polyimide or PET. This multi-layer composite architecture provides mechanical strength and durability while maintaining flexibility, as each layer contributes specific properties that collectively enhance the overall structural integrity of the thin film device
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 flexible device enhances solar energy conversion efficiency by conforming to various surfaces and shapes, improving energy collection and conversion without damaging the photovoltaic layers, and can be customized to fit specific areas, increasing the utilization of solar energy.
Implementation Method 1
Solar panels work by converting light (electromagnetic radiation) into electricity (electrical potential energy)
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible photovoltaic thin film device is provided, the flexible photovoltaic thin film device comprising: a support film; wires, the support film retaining the wires, the wires terminating in at least one contact point; and a plurality of flexible photovoltaic thin film stacks adhered on the support film and electrically connected to the wires, each flexible photovoltaic thin film stack comprising, in order, an outer protective layer, an outer electrode layer, an electron transport layer, a semi-conductor perovskite layer, a hole transport layer, an inner electrode layer and an adherent layer.