Photoelectric Conversion Module Layout for Stronger Cell Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The bonding strength between adjacent photoelectric conversion elements in existing photoelectric conversion modules is reduced due to the small size of the bus bar, leading to potential electrical connection failures.
Innovation Solution
A photoelectric conversion module design where the first photoelectric conversion element has a collector electrode with a conductor extending from its bus bar to an area outside the electrode, allowing the second photoelectric conversion element's conductive substrate to overlap and increase the contact area, enhancing bonding strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the width or size of the bus bar is made as small as possible to secure photoelectric conversion region, then the photoelectric conversion efficiency is improved, but the contact area between the bus bar and conductor is reduced, leading to reduced bonding strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the conductor in the thickness direction (z-direction) by forming it to protrude from the surface of the first photoelectric conversion element. This three-dimensional configuration increases the contact area between the conductor and the second photoelectric conversion element without reducing the bus bar width in the plane, thereby maintaining photoelectric conversion efficiency while improving bonding strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor is divided into multiple segments: a first conductor portion on the first photoelectric conversion element, a second conductor portion on the second photoelectric conversion element, and a connection portion bridging them. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently, with the connection portion extending in the thickness direction to provide additional bonding area.
2Productivity
If the bus bar width is reduced to maintain compact size and improve conversion efficiency, then the module density is improved, but the reliability of electrical connection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor is formed to protrude in the thickness direction, creating a three-dimensional connection structure. This adds contact area in the z-direction without increasing the planar footprint, thereby maintaining high module density while improving electrical connection reliability through enhanced bonding surface area.
3Strength
If the conductor contact area is increased to improve bonding strength, then the connection reliability is improved, but the photoelectric conversion region is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by utilizing the thickness direction for the conductor extension. The conductor protrudes from the surface in the z-direction, adding contact area vertically rather than horizontally. This maintains the photoelectric conversion region in the plane while providing sufficient bonding area for strong connections.
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 design improves the bonding strength between adjacent photoelectric conversion elements, reducing the likelihood of electrical connection failures and maintaining high photoelectric conversion efficiency while minimizing the module's size.
Implementation Method 1
a conductor electrically connecting the collector electrode of the first photoelectric conversion element and the conductive substrate of the second photoelectric conversion element to each other
Implementation Method 2
Photoelectric conversion modules that convert light energy into electrical energy are known
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a photoelectric conversion module capable of improving bonding strength between photoelectric conversion elements adjacent to each other. The photoelectric conversion module (100) comprises a first photoelectric conversion element (10a) including a collector electrode (30a) and a second photoelectric conversion element (10b) including a conductive substrate (20b). The first photoelectric conversion element (10a) and the second photoelectric conversion element (10b) are arranged side by side so as to partially overlap each other. The photoelectric conversion module comprises a conductor (200) electrically connecting the collector electrode (30a) of the first photoelectric conversion element (10a) and the conductive substrate (20b) of the second photoelectric conversion element (10b) to each other. The conductor (200) is provided from a region of the collector electrode (30a) of the first photoelectric conversion element (10a) to a region outside the collector electrode (30a).