Multi-Layer Interconnection Tape for Solar Cell Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

The tape method for interconnecting solar cells into modules faces issues with contact durability under thermal cycling, faulty connections due to short distances between tabbing wires, and holes in the tape that hinder soldering, leading to efficiency deterioration over time.

Innovation Solution

An improved tape design featuring an additional tape layer on top of the tabbing wire tape, providing extra pressure during lamination for better contact and soldering, and potentially incorporating reflective or thermochromic properties to enhance efficiency and detect faulty cells.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single tape layer is used to carry tabbing wires, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but contact reliability deteriorates under thermal cycling and soldering quality is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact reliabilityVSAvoidtape structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the composite materials principle by combining multiple tape layers with different functions: a first tape layer carries the tabbing wires while a second tape layer provides additional mechanical support and thermal stability. This composite structure enhances contact reliability under thermal cycling without significantly complicating the manufacturing process, as both layers can be applied in sequence during module assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements the dimensionality change principle by transitioning from a single-layer tape structure to a multi-layer tape configuration. The addition of a second tape layer creates a three-dimensional layered structure that provides both mechanical reinforcement and improved thermal management, thereby enhancing contact reliability while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through sequential layer application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If tabbing wires are placed close together to reduce shading, then shading area is reduced and efficiency increases, but faulty connections occur due to short distances between wires

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule efficiencyVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a second tape layer as a mediator between closely spaced tabbing wires. This intermediate layer provides physical separation and support, preventing direct contact and potential short circuits between adjacent wires while allowing the wires to remain close together to minimize shading. The second tape layer acts as a buffer that maintains wire integrity and spacing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements the beforehand cushioning principle by pre-positioning the second tape layer to provide protective cushioning between closely spaced tabbing wires before thermal cycling or soldering processes occur. This preventive measure ensures that wires maintain proper spacing and mechanical support throughout subsequent manufacturing and operational phases, preventing connection faults that would otherwise occur with closely spaced wires.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of manufacture

If holes are present in the tape for wire penetration, then wire installation is simplified, but soldering quality deteriorates due to hindered contact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewire installation easeVSAvoidsoldering quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dimensionality change principle by using a second tape layer to cover the holes punched in the first tape layer. This creates a layered structure where the first layer provides wire access through holes while the second layer restores surface continuity and provides a solid substrate for soldering. The multi-dimensional layered approach resolves the conflict between hole necessity for wire installation and surface integrity for quality soldering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 improved tape solution enhances contact reliability, reduces soldering issues, and increases module efficiency by ensuring stable connections and reduced shading, while also offering additional functionalities like temperature sensing and bypass diodes.

Implementation Method 1

providing extra pressure during lamination for better contact and soldering

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS11217716B2Tape for interconnecting single solar cells into solar cell modules
Publication Date: 2022.01.04 JB ECOTECH AB
  • US11217716B2 patent drawing
  • US11217716B2 patent drawing
  • US11217716B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a method of interconnecting photovoltaic cells into a module by using a tape carrying tabbing wires. The tape makes possible to build modules at a reduced cost. In the tape method individual photovoltaic cells (1) are interconnected into modules by using electrical interconnecting conducting strips (21, 43, 52, 74a, 74b) carried by a tape (51). The strips are laid out on the topsides and backsides of the PV cells. The strips are cut in such a manner that the cells will be interconnected in series after lamination. The present invention concerns an improvement of the tape used in the tape method.