Lateral Multi-Junction Solar Cell Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional multi-junction solar cells have efficiency limitations due to series connections of sub-cells with varying diode characteristics, which reduce overall energy yield and require optimization of connection patterns for better energy harvesting.
Innovation Solution
An integrated thin-film lateral multi-junction solar device with vertically stacked layers, each electrically isolated, including an energy storage device, solar cell, transparent medium, and micro-optic layer for spectral dispersion, and power converters connected to a power bus, allowing independent operation of each solar cell with different absorption characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sub-cells are connected in series to form multi-junction solar cells, then the overall conversion efficiency can be improved by combining multiple materials with different band-gaps, but the overall efficiency is reduced by the worst performing diode characteristics among the sub-cells
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell system is segmented into multiple independent stacks, where each stack contains its own solar cell and energy storage device. This segmentation allows each sub-cell to operate independently with its own optimal diode characteristics, preventing the worst-performing sub-cell from limiting the overall system efficiency while still achieving high energy conversion through spectral decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the electrical connection parameter from series to independent parallel stacks with individual energy storage devices. This parameter change allows each solar cell to operate at its optimal voltage and current characteristics without being constrained by series connection requirements, thereby improving overall energy yield while maintaining high conversion efficiency.
2Productivity
If traditional multi-junction solar cells are used without integrated energy storage, then the structure remains simple, but energy harvesting is not optimized and connection patterns require complex optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the solar cell, energy storage device, and power converter into a single integrated stack module. This combination simplifies the overall system architecture by eliminating the need for complex external optimization of connection patterns, as each self-contained stack independently optimizes energy harvesting while reducing overall system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Each stack is designed as a universal module that combines multiple functions: solar energy conversion, energy storage, and power regulation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate optimization of connection patterns between different components, as each stack is self-sufficient and can be directly connected to the power bus, thereby improving energy harvesting while managing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If series connection is used for multi-junction solar cells, then spectral decomposition is achieved, but the overall efficiency is limited by the worst performing diode characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the solar cell array into independent stacks that each handle specific spectral bands. This segmentation maintains the spectral decomposition capability while allowing each segment to operate independently with optimized diode characteristics for its specific wavelength range, thereby improving overall energy yield without sacrificing spectral adaptability.
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 configuration enhances energy harvesting by decoupling high-performance solar cells from low-performing ones, optimizing energy conversion efficiency and providing a constant power output in varying radiation environments, while allowing cost-effective production.
Implementation Method 1
a micro-optic layer of spectrally dispersive and concentrating optical devices above the transparent medium
Implementation Method 2
a micro-optic layer of spectrally dispersive and concentrating optical devices above the transparent medium
Implementation Method 3
Solar cells are photovoltaic devices which convert sunlight into electricity
Implementation Method 4
Each stack may comprise an energy storage device above the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated thin-film lateral multi junction solar device and fabrication method are provided. The device includes, for instance, a substrate, and a plurality of stacks extending vertically from the substrate. Each stack may include layers, and be electrically isolated against another stack. Each stack may also include an energy storage device above the substrate, a solar cell above the energy storage device, a transparent medium above the solar cell, and a micro-optic layer of spectrally dispersive and concentrating optical devices above the transparent medium. Furthermore, the device may include a first power converter connected between the energy storage device and a power bus, and a second power converter connected between the solar cell and the power bus. Further, different solar cells of different stacks may have different absorption characteristics.