Photovoltaic Substrate Centering for Laser Scribing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for processing photovoltaic (PV) modules result in significant waste of expensive materials and inefficient utilization of the working surface area, limiting the power generation capacity of PV modules.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced where the geometric center of the substrate is determined and used as a reference point for subsequent processing steps, including laser scribing patterns to define individual cells, isolation borders, and edge delete zones, ensuring precise and efficient use of the substrate surface area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If conventional processing methods are used to define individual cells on the substrate, then the processing steps can be completed, but significant material waste occurs and the working surface area utilization is inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial wasteVSAvoidpower generation capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The geometric center of the substrate is determined in advance before the laser scribing process begins. This preliminary determination of the reference point enables subsequent processing steps to be precisely positioned, maximizing the utilization of the substrate surface area and minimizing material waste while maintaining efficient production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Area of stationary object

If the geometric center is used as a reference point for processing steps, then the surface area utilization is optimized, but the processing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworking surface areaVSAvoidprocessing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The laser scribing system uses the determined geometric center as a feedback reference point to continuously adjust and maintain precise positioning during the cell definition process. This feedback mechanism ensures that the processing precision is maintained while maximizing the working surface area utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 approach minimizes material waste, optimizes the surface area utilization, and enhances the power generation capacity of PV modules by accurately defining cell boundaries and reducing tolerances, leading to more efficient and cost-effective production.

Implementation Method 1

The subsequent processing steps include laser scribing a pattern of lines in the thin film layers on the substrate to define the individual cells

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentEP2381477B1Method for increasing the working surface area of a photovoltaic module
Publication Date: 2014.08.13 FIRST SOLAR MALAYSIA
  • EP2381477B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2381477B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2381477B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A method for processing substrates (10) in the formation of photovoltaic (PV) modules, the substrates (10) having a plurality of thin film layers (18, 20, 22) deposited thereon. The method includes determining the geometric center (24) of the substrate and performing subsequent processing steps for defining individual cells (32) on the substrate using the geometric center of the substrate as a starting reference point for such processing steps.