Photoelectric Conversion Module Layout to Prevent Short Circuits

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional photoelectric conversion modules face challenges in achieving high photoelectric conversion efficiency and ease of manufacture.

Innovation Solution

A photoelectric conversion module is designed with a translucent substrate and photoelectric conversion elements stacked in layers, including a transparent conductive film, a first charge transport layer, a power generation layer, and a second charge transport layer made of a porous film containing a carbon material, with electrical connections via a conductive layer thicker than the combined thickness of the first charge transport layer and power generation layer to prevent short circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional photoelectric conversion module structure is used, then the structure is simple, but short circuits occur and photoelectric conversion efficiency is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephotoelectric conversion efficiencyVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The photoelectric conversion element is divided into multiple functional layers: transparent conductive film, first charge transport layer, power generation layer, and second charge transport layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally, preventing short circuits while maintaining good photoelectric conversion efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first charge transport layer and second charge transport layer act as intermediary layers between the transparent conductive film and the power generation layer. These intermediary layers prevent direct contact between conductive components, eliminating short circuit paths while facilitating charge transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the second charge transport layer is made thin to maintain simple structure, then manufacturing is easier, but short circuits occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The second charge transport layer is designed with specific local properties: made of porous carbon material with controlled porosity and thickness. This local quality optimization ensures adequate electrical connection reliability in critical areas while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The second charge transport layer uses porous carbon material which provides both electrical conductivity and mechanical integrity. The porous structure allows for adequate thickness to prevent short circuits while maintaining flexibility in manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Reliability

If a thicker conductive layer is used to prevent short circuits, then reliability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshort circuit preventionVSAvoidlayer structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive function is merged into the second charge transport layer made of porous carbon material, which inherently provides both structural integrity and electrical conductivity. This merging eliminates the need for separate thick conductive layers, preventing short circuits without increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 module achieves enhanced photoelectric conversion efficiency and ease of manufacture by preventing short circuits while maintaining a simple structure, using carbon nanotubes and conductive layers to improve electrical connections.

Implementation Method 1

a second charge transport layer made of a porous film containing a carbon material... electrically connected to the other transparent conductive film via a conductive layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

Photoelectric conversion elements that convert light energy into electric power, which can be used as solar cells

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12484367B2Photoelectric conversion module and method for manufacturing the same

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 ZEON CORP

AI summary

A photoelectric conversion module is a photoelectric conversion module including a translucent substrate and one or more photoelectric conversion elements formed on the translucent substrate, wherein each of the photoelectric conversion elements is formed by stacking a transparent conductive film, a first charge transport layer, a power generation layer, and a second charge transport layer made of a porous film containing a carbon material, in this order from the side of the translucent substrate, and a portion of the second charge transport layer of at least one of the photoelectric conversion elements, the portion facing another transparent conductive film adjacent to the transparent conductive film of the photoelectric conversion element is electrically connected to the other transparent conductive film via a conductive layer that is thicker than a thickness of adding up the first charge transport layer and the power generation layer.