Photovoltaic Cell Etched Patterns Reverse-Biased Light Emission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar cell traceability methods, such as laser irradiation, alter the cell's properties and are costly, and reading information on the cells can be time-consuming, especially when locating the bar code position.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic cell with etched patterns on a main face forming a junction that emits light radiation when reverse-biased, allowing for easier identification of information symbols, such as manufacturing details or identifiers, using mechanical etching which is less expensive and non-destructive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If laser irradiation technique is used to write information on solar cell, then information can be written on the cell, but the significant and localized heating alters the properties of the active layers or junctions of the cell
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the laser irradiation technique (optical/thermal system) with mechanical etching using a stylus or needle to create physical grooves or patterns on the solar cell surface. This mechanical approach eliminates the localized heating problem while achieving the same information encoding function through topographic features that can be read by optical scanners.
2Loss of information
If laser equipment is used to write information on solar cell, then information can be written on the cell, but the cost of the manufacturing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive mechanical etching tools such as styluses, needles, or rigid tips that can be easily manufactured or replaced. These low-cost mechanical instruments replace expensive laser equipment, making the information writing process more economically viable for mass production while maintaining the capability to encode traceability information on solar cells.
3Loss of information
If bar code is positioned on solar cell, then information can be stored, but the time necessary for reading information increases when it is necessary to locate the bar code position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the visibility and detectability of the etched patterns by utilizing optical contrast differences. The mechanical grooves create light scattering, shadowing, or reflectivity variations that make the information patterns immediately distinguishable from the surrounding surface during optical scanning, thereby reducing the time required to locate and read the encoded information without requiring additional positioning markers.
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 enables rapid and efficient identification of solar cell information, reducing the time and cost associated with traceability and sorting processes, while maintaining the cell's performance by avoiding the heating issues and high costs of laser techniques.
Implementation Method 1
said junction being, when it is reverse biased, capable of emitting light radiation highlighting said one or more patterns etched in said first layer
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~5B
Figure 6
AI summary
Photovoltaic cell provided with a structure which emits light radiation and which comprises one or more engraved patterns which are formed in a first layer and form, with a second layer, a junction, the patterns being distributed in accordance with a predetermined arrangement corresponding to at least one information symbol, in particular an information item relating to the cell, said junction being capable, when it is reverse-biased, of emitting light radiation which displays said patterns which are engraved in said first layer.