Heterojunction PV Stack Cooling During Electromagnetic Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing processes for manufacturing silicon heterojunction photovoltaic cells face challenges in maintaining the integrity of the stack during exposure to electromagnetic radiation, leading to potential temperature-induced degradation, which is incompatible with current production line rates and lacks effective cooling solutions.
Innovation Solution
A process involving a crystalline silicon substrate with a moisturized amorphous silicon passivation layer and a doped amorphous silicon layer, exposed to electromagnetic radiation, with a cooling system that includes gas flow injection and regulation based on measured stack and ambient temperatures to maintain the stack temperature below 200°C.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the stack is exposed to electromagnetic radiation for enhancement treatment, then the energy conversion efficiency is improved, but the temperature increases sharply causing potential deterioration of the cell
Solution Approach 1:
A gas flow (intermediary substance) is introduced between the electromagnetic radiation source and the stack to act as a thermal buffer. The gas absorbs excess heat from the stack during radiation exposure, preventing temperature from rising above 200°C while allowing the enhancement treatment to proceed and improve energy conversion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the temperature parameter by regulating the gas flow rate and composition. By adjusting these parameters, the system maintains the stack temperature within the safe range (below 200°C) during electromagnetic radiation exposure, enabling efficient enhancement treatment without thermal deterioration.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the treatment duration is extended to improve efficiency, then the energy conversion efficiency increases, but the production rate decreases making it incompatible with current production lines
Solution Approach 1:
The gas flow system enables continuous enhancement treatment by maintaining stable thermal conditions throughout the process. The continuous gas flow prevents temperature fluctuations that would require intermittent treatment, allowing the stack to undergo continuous radiation exposure at optimized durations that balance efficiency improvement with production line throughput requirements.
3Temperature
If the gas flow rate is increased to cool the stack, then the temperature control is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs temperature sensors to continuously monitor the stack temperature during electromagnetic radiation exposure. This feedback information is used to dynamically adjust the gas flow rate, increasing cooling when temperature approaches 200°C and reducing flow when temperature is lower, thereby maintaining effective temperature control while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption from excessive gas flow.
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 solution allows for continuous high-rate processing of photovoltaic cells, preventing degradation and enabling industrialization of the process while maintaining the integrity of the stack during radiation exposure.
Implementation Method 1
Injection of a gas flow into said housing... Cooling said stack during exposure
Implementation Method 2
Exposing said stack to electromagnetic radiation... When exposed to electromagnetic radiation, the temperature of the stack increases sharply
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for treating a stack (10) intended for the manufacture of a photovoltaic cell, said method comprising the following steps: - placing said stack (10) in an enclosure (3), - exposing said stack (10) to electromagnetic radiation (R), - cooling said stack (10) during exposure, the photovoltaic cell being cooled by: - injecting a flow of gas (F) into said enclosure (3), - adjusting the injected flow of gas (F), taking into account the temperature of the stack (10), - discharging the flow of gas (F) out of the enclosure (3), taking into account the ambient temperature present in said enclosure (3).