Segmented Photovoltaic Cell Cavities Parallel Shading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic systems face challenges with partial shading, where shaded photovoltaic cells connected in series can generate opposite voltages, restricting current flow and potentially damaging the shaded cells. Current solutions, such as bypass diodes, are costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
The photovoltaic element is segmented into segments with a base electrode, a top electrode, and a layer system comprising at least one photoactive layer. The segments are electrically conductively connected in parallel, with cavities formed vertically to prevent contact between segments, allowing current flow to be distributed across individual segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bypass diodes are integrated into photovoltaic cells to prevent damage from partial shading, then the reliability of the photovoltaic element is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic cell is segmented into multiple independent segments separated by cavities. Each segment can operate independently, and when one segment is shaded, the other segments continue to generate current without being restricted by the shaded segment. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex bypass diode circuits while maintaining reliability under partial shading conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass diode component is completely removed from the system. Instead of integrating bypass diodes to protect against shading, the invention extracts this protective function by designing the cell structure itself to be inherently resistant to shading effects through segmentation and parallel connection of segment contacts.
2Reliability
If bypass diodes are used to maintain current flow in shaded conditions, then the photovoltaic element continues to function, but the manufacturing cost increases due to additional components and complex production processes
Solution Approach 1:
The cell structure is divided into segments with physical separations (cavities) that create independent current paths. This segmentation is integrated into the cell fabrication process itself, allowing standard manufacturing techniques to produce cells with built-in shading resistance without requiring additional bypass diode assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented cell structure provides self-protection against shading effects. The parallel connection of segment contacts automatically routes current around shaded areas without requiring external control or additional protective components, making the cell self-sufficient and easier to manufacture.
3Productivity
If the photovoltaic cell is segmented into multiple segments with cavities, then the efficiency under partial shading is improved, but the active area is reduced due to the presence of cavities
Solution Approach 1:
The cell is segmented into regions separated by cavities, with each segment connected in parallel. This segmentation allows unshaded segments to generate current independently and contribute to the total output, maintaining high efficiency even when部分 areas are shaded. The cavities act as electrical isolators rather than current-generating areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmentation creates additional current paths in the electrical dimension. By connecting segment contacts in parallel, the invention adds redundant current flow paths that bypass shaded areas, effectively compensating for the loss of active area caused by cavities through increased electrical pathway redundancy.
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 solution prevents damage to shaded photovoltaic cells, maintains efficiency even under partial shading, and extends the service life of the photovoltaic element without significant active area loss or performance degradation. The segmentation can be easily integrated into current production methods, including roll-to-roll processes, and is more cost-effective than traditional bypass diode solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a photovoltaic cell comprising at least one photoactive layer
Data Source
AI summary
A photovoltaic element including at least one photovoltaic cell at least partially segmented and having a base electrode, a top electrode, and a layer system comprising at least one photoactive layer, wherein the layer system is arranged between the base electrode and the top electrode, the segments are configured such that at least the top electrode and the layer system of one of the segments are separated from the top electrode and the layer system of another segment by at least one cavity to prevent contact between one another, the at least one cavity is formed substantially vertically relative to the layer system of the at least one photovoltaic cell, and the segments are electrically conductively connected in parallel with one another such that a flow of electric current through the at least one photovoltaic cell is distributed over each of the segments.