Semitransparent PV Module Scribing for Light and Power Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of photovoltaics in residential and commercial buildings, agrivoltaics, floating solar arrays, and automotive applications has been lacking, despite the robustness of CdTe technology in utility-scale PV solar markets.
Innovation Solution
A semitransparent photovoltaic module is constructed with a glass layer, transparent conducting oxide, semiconductor layer (e.g., CdTe), and metal back contact layer, utilizing laser ablation to create light transmission scribes, enhancing transparency and power generation while managing electrical current flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a traditional opaque photovoltaic module is used, then power generation efficiency is high, but light transmission is blocked (0% transmission)
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic module is segmented into multiple submodules arranged in a grid pattern, with non-conductive scribes creating isolated electrical regions. This segmentation allows light to pass through the gaps between scribes while maintaining power generation in each segmented region, achieving both transparency and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the module have different properties: the semiconductor active areas maintain high power generation capability while the scribe regions are made non-conductive to allow light transmission. This local differentiation enables simultaneous optimization of both transparency and power generation in different spatial zones.
2Illumination intensity
If light transmission scribes are added to improve transparency, then visible light transmission increases to 7%-70%, but electrical current flow may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful conductive properties are extracted from the scribe regions by applying non-conductive materials or creating non-conductive patterns in the semiconductor layer. This removal of conductivity from specific regions allows light transmission through scribes without compromising the electrical integrity of the active photovoltaic regions.
Solution Approach 2:
Non-conductive materials or patterns serve as intermediaries in the scribe regions, allowing optical transmission while preventing electrical conduction. These intermediary elements separate the optical function (light transmission) from the electrical function (current flow), enabling both to coexist without interference.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the module structure is made semitransparent for building integration, then aesthetic and functional integration improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into a single module structure: power generation, light transmission, and building integration aesthetics are combined in one device. The semitransparent design with patterned scribes simultaneously achieves electrical functionality and architectural aesthetic requirements, reducing the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The photovoltaic module is designed with universal applicability for various building integration scenarios (facades, windows, skylights). The standardized semitransparent design with adjustable scribe patterns can be adapted to different architectural requirements while maintaining core photovoltaic functionality, enhancing versatility.
4Power
If conventional photovoltaic technology is used in residential and commercial buildings, then robust power generation is achieved, but aesthetic integration and transparency are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The optical parameters of the photovoltaic module are changed by introducing semitransparent materials and patterned scribe structures. This parameter modification allows the module to transmit light while maintaining power generation, enabling integration into building envelopes where both aesthetics and energy generation are required.
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 7% to 70% visible light transmission and 60 W to 120 W power generation, with improved yield and reduced manufacturing costs by limiting shunting defects through controlled current flow and diagnostics using electroluminescence.
Implementation Method 1
semitransparent photovoltaic module... semiconductor layer... capable of generating about 60 W to about 120 W of power
Implementation Method 2
transparent conducting oxide layer
Implementation Method 3
utilizing laser ablation to create light transmission scribes
Data Source
AI summary
A semitransparent photovoltaic module includes a submodule with a first glass layer, a transparent conducting oxide layer, a semiconductor layer, and a metal back contact layer. The submodule further includes a plurality of interconnection scribes extending in a first direction across the submodule and a plurality of light transmission scribes disposed perpendicularly to the plurality of interconnection scribes in a second direction. The module may further include a lamination layer and a second glass layer and have a visible light transmission of about 7% to about 70% and is capable of generating about 60 W to about 120 W of power. In one embodiment, the light transmission scribes are about 0.05 mm to about 1 mm wide, with a pitch of about 1 mm to about 5 mm.