III-V Solar Cell Structure for Concentrated Terrestrial Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Terrestrial solar power systems primarily utilize silicon solar cells due to cost and availability, while III-V compound semiconductor cells offer higher efficiency, but have not been designed or optimized for terrestrial applications, and existing systems lack configuration to effectively utilize these cells with concentrators and tracking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A solar power system incorporating III-V compound semiconductor solar cells with a concentrator, solar tracker, heat spreader, and electrical circuit, featuring a thin, flexible multijunction solar cell structure with lattice-mismatched subcells and a non-planar support for efficient sunlight capture and heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If III-V compound semiconductor solar cells are used instead of silicon solar cells, then power generation efficiency is improved, but cost increases and terrestrial system configuration experience is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from silicon-based solar cells to III-V compound semiconductor solar cells, fundamentally changing the material composition parameter. This material substitution enables higher efficiency conversion of sunlight to electricity, directly addressing the productivity improvement while the patent simultaneously addresses cost concerns through optimized system configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the solar cell structure into multiple functional layers including front contact, window layer, emitter layer, base layer, and back contact. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall efficiency while enabling selective use of materials to manage costs in terrestrial applications
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional silicon solar cells with planar structure are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to non-planar surfaces and heat dissipation efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a curved support structure instead of a planar substrate, allowing the solar cell to conform to non-planar surfaces. This curvature enables the cell to be mounted on various surface geometries while maintaining optimal sunlight exposure and facilitates improved heat dissipation pathways from the cell to the mounting surface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar cell structure to a three-dimensional configuration by implementing a curved support structure. This dimensional change allows the cell to adapt to various surface geometries and creates additional spatial pathways for heat dissipation, enhancing both adaptability and thermal management
3Productivity
If concentrators are added to focus sunlight onto solar cells, then power generation efficiency is improved, but system complexity and tracking mechanism requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the concentrator function directly into the solar cell structure by incorporating light-trapping features and optical elements into the cell design itself. This integration achieves concentration effects without requiring separate external concentrator components, thereby improving efficiency while reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the solar cell structure to simultaneously perform multiple functions: light absorption, heat dissipation, and optical concentration. The curved support structure and integrated optical features enable the cell to concentrate sunlight while maintaining structural adaptability and thermal management, reducing the need for separate dedicated components
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
Enhances electrical power generation efficiency by aligning solar cells with sunlight and effectively managing heat, achieving higher efficiency and adaptability to non-planar surfaces, suitable for terrestrial power applications.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention relates generally to solar power systems for the conversion of sunlight into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
Another aspect of terrestrial solar power system is the use of concentrators (such as lenses and mirrors) to focus the incoming sun rays onto the solar cell or solar cell array
Implementation Method 3
Still another aspect of a solar cell system is the design of heat dissipating structures or coolant techniques for dissipating the associated heat generated by the intense light impinging on the surface of the semiconductor body
Data Source
AI summary
A system for generating electrical power from solar radiation utilizing a thin film III-V compound multijunction semiconductor solar cell mounted on a support in a non-planar configuration.