IBC Solar Cell Isolation Trenches With Corrugated Sidewalls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional interdigitated back contact (IBC) solar cells require improvements to enhance photoelectric conversion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The solar cell design incorporates isolation trenches with corrugated sidewalls between alternating doped portions, featuring a corrugated structure that undulates along a specific direction, increasing light absorption and reducing precision requirements in the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional flat isolation trenches are used in IBC solar cells, then the manufacturing process requires high precision, but the light absorption and photoelectric conversion efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation trench sidewalls are designed with corrugated structures featuring undulating curves instead of flat surfaces. This curvature increases the surface area and light path length within the trench, enhancing light absorption and photoelectric conversion efficiency while the specific geometric parameters are optimized to maintain manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The isolation trench structure transitions from a simple vertical trench to a three-dimensional corrugated structure with undulations along the sidewalls. This dimensional complexity adds surface area and light-trapping capability without significantly increasing manufacturing difficulty, as the corrugation pattern can be achieved through standard texturing processes
2Productivity
If the corrugated structure width is reduced to enhance light absorption, then the photoelectric conversion efficiency improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The corrugated structure is applied specifically to the sidewalls of the isolation trenches where light trapping is most beneficial, while other regions of the solar cell maintain conventional simple structures. This localized application of complexity optimizes light absorption at critical interfaces without unnecessarily complicating the entire device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The corrugated sidewalls with undulating curves provide enhanced light absorption through increased surface area and multiple light reflection paths. The curvature geometry is specifically designed to trap light effectively while maintaining manufacturability through standard texturing processes, avoiding excessive structural complexity
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 corrugated sidewalls enhance light absorption and photoelectric conversion efficiency while simplifying the manufacturing process by allowing for less stringent precision demands.
Implementation Method 1
The corrugated sidewalls enhance light absorption and photoelectric conversion efficiency
Implementation Method 2
improve the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the IBC cell
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a solar cell, a method of making, and a photovoltaic module. The solar cell includes: a substrate, having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; multiple first doped portions, on the first surface; multiple second doped portions on the first surface; and multiple isolation trenches, each of which is formed between a respective first doped portion and an adjacent second doped portion. The isolation trenches each have opposing first sidewall and second sidewall that extend along a second direction, and at least one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall has a corrugated structure that undulates while extending along the first direction. The second direction intersects with the first direction. Embodiments of the present disclosure at least contribute to improving the photoelectric conversion efficiency of solar cells.