Monolithic Solar Cell With Integrated Bypass Diode
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Solution Overview
Problem
In monolithically series-connected solar modules, integrating bypass diodes to protect solar cells from overvoltages results in significant loss of active receiving surface and limited performance capability, as existing solutions require additional space and complex contacting procedures.
Innovation Solution
The bypass diode is integrated within the solar cell structure by forming a second layer sequence between the substrate and the photovoltaically active layer sequence, using a full-coverage design of n- and p-conducting layers, with optional tunnel diodes, allowing for minimal additional surface area loss and simplified metal contacting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bypass diodes are integrated in conventional solar modules, then solar cells are protected from overvoltages, but significant loss of active receiving surface occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass diode structure is merged with the solar cell structure by integrating the diode's p-n layers between the solar cell's p-n layers and the substrate. This merging allows the bypass diode to share the same physical space as the solar cell, eliminating the need for separate bypass diode components and thereby preserving active receiving surface area while still providing overvoltage protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a planar arrangement where bypass diodes would occupy lateral space to a vertical arrangement where the bypass diode layers are stacked between the solar cell layers and the substrate. This dimensional change allows the bypass diode to be embedded within the existing vertical structure, eliminating lateral space requirements and preserving the active receiving surface.
2Reliability
If bypass diodes are added to protect solar cells, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass diode is combined with the solar cell structure, sharing common layers and contacts. The p-n layers of the bypass diode are integrated between the solar cell's p-n layers and the substrate, allowing both structures to coexist within a single integrated device without requiring separate components or complex interconnections.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated structure serves multiple functions: the upper p-n layers form the solar cell for power generation, while the lower p-n layers form the bypass diode for protection. Both functions are achieved within a single unified structure, eliminating the need for separate bypass diode components and reducing overall device 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
This approach enhances the performance capability of bypass diodes while reducing the loss of active receiving surface, enabling effective protection of solar cells from overvoltages with reduced production effort and minimal surface area sacrifice.
Implementation Method 1
The individual solar cells in the solar module should therefore be protected from overvoltages in the reverse direction by bypass diodes
Implementation Method 2
The present arrangement with a solar cell that is formed in known manner by a first layer sequence of differently doped layers on a substrate
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an arrangement having at least one solar cell, which is formed by a first sequence of differently doped layers (1, 2, 11, 12) on a substrate (6, 16), and at least one bypass diode, which is connected to the solar cell, particularly in a monolithic, series-connected solar module. The arrangement is characterized in that the bypass diode is formed by a second sequence of layers (4, 5, 13, 14), which is arranged between the substrate (6, 16) and the first layer sequence (1, 2, 11, 12).With the proposed arrangement monolithic, series-connected solar modules can be formed at a very low loss of active receiving surface, the solar cells of which are protected by bypass diodes.