Photoelectric Conversion Element With Drying Agent Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional photoelectric conversion elements suffer from reduced durability due to moisture retention from electrode coating liquids, leading to decreased performance under high temperature and high humidity conditions, and have low visible light transmittance, limiting their ability to generate power under low illuminance conditions.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a drying agent in the sealing material of the photoelectric conversion element to remove moisture and using conductive nanowires and polymers for the electrodes, which allows for higher visible light transmittance and improved durability, enabling power generation from both sides of the element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If conventional electrode materials are used in photoelectric conversion elements, then the element can be manufactured, but the visible light transmittance is low, limiting power generation under low illuminance conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisible light transmittanceVSAvoidpower generation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite transparent electrode materials consisting of conductive nanowires (such as silver nanowires) combined with conductive transparent polymers. This composite structure achieves both high visible light transmittance (70% or more) and sufficient electrical conductivity, enabling effective power generation under low illuminance conditions while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the photoelectric conversion element is stored under high temperature and high humidity environment, then the element remains operational, but water vapor and oxygen enter the element, causing output to decrease significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedurability under high temperature and high humidityVSAvoidmoisture and oxygen intrusion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a sealing part containing a drying agent that creates an inert, low-humidity environment inside the photoelectric conversion element. This drying agent absorbs water vapor and prevents moisture and oxygen from reaching the photoelectric conversion layer, thereby maintaining stable output performance even when stored under high temperature and high humidity conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing part acts as an intermediary barrier between the external high-humidity environment and the internal photoelectric conversion elements. It includes a drying agent that actively manages moisture levels, preventing harmful substances from penetrating to the sensitive photoelectric conversion layer while allowing the element to operate in harsh environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Illumination intensity

If transparent electrode materials with high translucency are used, then the element achieves high visible light transmittance, but the electrical conductivity may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisible light transmittanceVSAvoidelectrical conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite transparent electrode materials combining conductive nanowires (such as silver nanowires) with conductive transparent polymers. This composite structure achieves both high visible light transmittance (70% or more) and sufficient electrical conductivity, enabling effective power generation under low illuminance conditions while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 enhances the durability and power generation capability of the photoelectric conversion element under low illuminance conditions by ensuring higher visible light transmittance and effectively managing moisture, thus improving performance in humid environments.

Implementation Method 1

The sealing part includes a drying agent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

The second electrode includes a conductive nanowire and a conductive polymer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20230171975A1Photoelectric conversion element, photoelectric conversion module, electronic device, and partition

Publication Date: 2023.06.01 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A photoelectric conversion element includes: a first substrate; a first electrode; a photoelectric conversion layer; a second electrode; a sealing part; and a second substrate. The photoelectric conversion element is translucent. The second electrode includes a conductive nanowire and a conductive polymer. The sealing part includes a drying agent.