Photoelectric Conversion Module With Grooved Transparent Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated thin-film photoelectric conversion modules face issues where defects in one photoelectric conversion element significantly reduce the power output of the entire module, and integrating these modules with construction materials like window glass compromises visibility due to impairments in the smoothness of the light-transmitting substrate from forming dividing grooves.
Innovation Solution
A photoelectric conversion module design where photoelectric conversion element groups are disposed in parallel with a light-transmitting portion composed of a light-transmitting layer, which is not present in the regions directly contacting the element groups, ensuring reliable electrical isolation and improved visibility by maintaining the smoothness of the substrate surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dividing grooves are formed to separate photoelectric conversion elements, then electrical isolation between elements is improved, but the smoothness of the light-transmitting substrate surface deteriorates, reducing visibility
Solution Approach 1:
An insulating film is introduced as an intermediary substance to fill the dividing grooves between photoelectric conversion elements. This insulating film maintains the electrical isolation function of the grooves while simultaneously restoring the surface smoothness, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability (electrical isolation) and illumination intensity (visibility).
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating film is selectively applied only in the dividing groove regions where electrical isolation is needed, rather than covering the entire substrate surface. This localized application maintains surface smoothness in visible areas while preserving the necessary electrical isolation in the groove regions, addressing both visibility and reliability requirements.
2Power
If photoelectric conversion elements are integrated on one substrate, then power output is improved, but the impact of defects on module performance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is divided into multiple independent regions by grooves filled with insulating film, creating electrically isolated segments. Each segment can function independently, so that defects in one segment do not propagate to other segments. This segmentation allows the module to maintain high power output through integrated design while reducing defect impact through electrical isolation.
3Illumination intensity
If the substrate surface is made smooth for visibility, then light scattering is reduced, but forming dividing grooves becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The dividing grooves are formed first on the substrate surface, and then the insulating film is applied to fill these grooves and restore surface smoothness. This preliminary formation of grooves followed by film application allows easy groove creation without compromising final visibility, as the smoothness is restored in the subsequent step.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate structure becomes a composite system combining the base substrate material with the insulating film material. The grooves are formed in the substrate, and the insulating film is deposited to fill and smooth these grooves, creating a composite structure that achieves both easy manufacturability (through simple groove formation) and high visibility (through surface smoothing by the film).
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 design achieves high power output by reducing the impact of defects on the module's performance and enhances visibility by minimizing light scattering, making it suitable for applications like window glass without compromising daylighting functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric conversion layer disposed between the light-transmitting electrode and the counter electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A photoelectric conversion module includes: a light-transmitting insulating substrate; a plurality of photoelectric conversion element groups including first and second photoelectric conversion element groups adjacent to each other, the plurality of photoelectric conversion element groups being disposed on a first principal surface of the substrate; and a light-transmitting portion disposed between the first and second photoelectric conversion element groups. The light-transmitting portion includes a light-transmitting layer disposed on the substrate. The light-transmitting portion is composed of a first region in contact with the first photoelectric conversion element group, a second region in contact with the second photoelectric conversion element group, and a third region provided between the first and second regions, the third region being in contact with neither the first nor the second photoelectric conversion element group. The light-transmitting layer is disposed neither in the first region nor in the second region, and is disposed in the third region.