Patterned Glass Substrate for Thin Film Solar Cell Light Trapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thin film type solar cells face efficiency limitations due to the use of glass substrates that do not effectively redirect solar rays, leading to suboptimal solar ray collection and transmittance.
Innovation Solution
A substrate with a predetermined pattern of protrusions and depressions is used to increase the effective area for solar ray absorption, combined with a cleaning process integrated into the front electrode formation apparatus to prevent resistance increases and enhance solar ray dispersion, allowing for improved solar ray transmittance and dispersion efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a glass substrate is used in thin film type solar cell, then manufacturing cost is reduced and thin profile is achieved, but solar ray transmittance and dispersion efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies surface curvature by forming protrusions and depressions (uneven surface) on the glass substrate. This curved/uneven surface structure disperses incident solar rays in multiple directions, increasing the effective area for light absorption by the semiconductor layer while maintaining the use of glass substrate for cost-effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a flat two-dimensional substrate surface to a three-dimensional uneven surface with protrusions and depressions. This dimensional change increases the surface area available for solar ray interaction, improving transmittance and dispersion efficiency without changing the fundamental glass substrate material.
2Ease of manufacture
If a glass substrate is used in thin film type solar cell, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but solar ray dispersion efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The uneven surface with protrusions and depressions creates multiple reflection and refraction paths for solar rays, significantly enhancing dispersion efficiency. This allows the glass substrate to maintain its cost advantage while achieving superior light trapping and dispersion performance.
3Productivity
If wafer type solar cell is used, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to high-priced semiconductor substrate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the substrate material parameter from expensive semiconductor wafer to cost-effective glass substrate. By compensating for the lower inherent efficiency of glass through surface structuring (protrusions and depressions), the patent achieves comparable performance at lower cost, making thin film technology more economically viable.
4Device complexity
If flat glass substrate is used, then manufacturing process is simplified, but effective area for solar ray absorption is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces surface curvature in the form of protrusions and depressions on the glass substrate. This increases the effective absorption area without significantly complicating the manufacturing process, as the uneven surface can be formed through standard glass processing techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
By transitioning from a flat 2D surface to a 3D uneven surface, the patent increases the effective area for solar ray absorption. This dimensional enhancement provides more surface area for light interaction while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
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 approach results in enhanced solar ray transmittance and dispersion ratios, improving the efficiency of the thin film solar cell by increasing the effective area for solar ray absorption and minimizing resistance issues during manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
substrate with a predetermined pattern having protrusions and depressions on its one surface... increased the effective area for solar ray absorption... enhanced solar ray transmittance and dispersion ratios
Data Source
AI summary
A thin film type solar cell and a method for manufacturing the same is disclosed, which is capable of improving solar-ray transmittance and dispersion efficiency by the increased effective area for absorbing the solar ray through the use of substrate with a predetermined pattern having protrusions and depressions, wherein the method comprises preparing a substrate with a predetermined pattern having protrusions and depressions on its one surface; forming a front electrode on the substrate; forming a semiconductor layer on the front electrode; and forming a rear electrode on the semiconductor layer.