Integrated Optical Element for Solar Cell Receiver Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar cell receivers face challenges in protecting semiconductor bodies from environmental influences and efficiently bundling light, often requiring complex multi-stage processes and materials that are not cost-effective or durable.
Innovation Solution
A solar cell receiver design featuring a semiconductor body with a carrier, an optical element that acts as both a concentrator and housing, made from inorganic materials like quartz glass, which is adapted to the semiconductor body's shape and size, providing protection and efficient light bundling with a reduced number of manufacturing steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a frame with transparent cover and casting compound is used to protect the semiconductor body, then protection against environmental influences is improved, but device complexity and number of manufacturing steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the housing and optical element into a single integrated component. The optical element is formed directly on the carrier in one piece, eliminating the need for separate frame, transparent cover, and casting compound applications. This merging reduces the number of manufacturing steps while maintaining protection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it bundles light onto the solar cell, acts as a protective housing, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protective components, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components (frame, transparent cover, casting compound) are used, then protection is achieved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the housing and optical element into a single component formed directly on the carrier, the patent eliminates the need for multiple separate parts. This reduction in component count directly lowers production costs while maintaining protective functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical element performs multiple functions (light bundling, protection, structural support), eliminating the need for separate protective components and reducing overall production costs.
3Reliability
If conventional housing designs with multiple parts are used, then protection is provided, but the number of manufacturing steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple protective components into a single optical element formed directly on the carrier. This integration reduces the number of manufacturing steps from multi-stage assembly to a single formation process, improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element is formed directly on the carrier in one piece before final assembly, eliminating subsequent assembly steps. This preliminary formation action reduces manufacturing complexity and increases productivity.
4Use of energy by moving object
If standard optical elements are used, then light bundling is achieved, but protection against environmental influences is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical element with protective housing functionality. The optical element is formed directly on the carrier and extends to provide lateral coverage, simultaneously achieving light bundling and environmental protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element serves dual purposes: bundling light onto the solar cell and providing protective housing. This multi-functionality ensures both efficient light concentration and comprehensive environmental protection without requiring separate 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
The solution offers robust and cost-effective solar cell receivers with enhanced protection against environmental influences and efficient light concentration, achieving high concentration factors while using durable and recyclable materials.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element for bundling light onto the front side of the semiconductor body
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The receiver (10) has a semiconductor body (30) comprising a front side (32) at which a solar cell is formed. A carrier (20) receives the body. An optical element (40) i.e. concentrator, has a mold with a surface that rests on the front side of the body and another surface that rests on the carrier. The mold is formed as a cavity (42) or as a notch, which is larger than the body. The optical element is arranged with the body on a surface of the carrier. Space between the cavity and side surfaces (36) of the body and the surface of the carrier is filled with a potting compound (50).