Solar Cell Bottom Collecting Electrode for Maximized Conversion Area

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Solution Overview

Problem

Solar cells face challenges in maximizing the effective area for photoelectric conversion and reducing contact resistance to enhance efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The solar cell design positions the collecting electrode on the bottom surface of the support substrate, allowing for a larger photoelectric conversion area on the top surface and reducing contact resistance by forming the extension and collecting electrodes on the bottom surface, which does not receive solar light, and aligning them with the junction box for simplified connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If the collecting electrode is positioned on the top surface of the support substrate, then the connection structure is simplified, but the photoelectric conversion area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephotoelectric conversion areaVSAvoidconnection structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The collecting electrode is moved from the top surface (2D plane) to the bottom surface of the support substrate, utilizing the third dimension (depth/thickness) to resolve the conflict between photoelectric conversion area and connection structure. This dimensional transition allows the electrode to collect current without occupying photoelectric conversion space on the top surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having the collecting electrode on the conventional top surface, the electrode is inverted to the bottom surface of the support substrate. The extension part bridges from the bottom surface up to the photoelectric conversion layer, reversing the traditional electrode placement approach while maintaining electrical connection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If the extension part and collecting electrode are formed with small area, then the photoelectric conversion area is maximized, but the contact resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact resistanceVSAvoidphotoelectric conversion area
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The extension part utilizes the vertical dimension by extending from the bottom surface upward through the support substrate thickness to reach the photoelectric conversion layer. This 3D extension path allows the electrode to achieve low contact resistance without occupying horizontal photoelectric conversion area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Area of moving object

If the junction box is positioned on the top surface of the support substrate, then the connection structure is simplified, but the effective area for photoelectric conversion is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffective areaVSAvoidconnection structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The junction box is repositioned from the top surface to the bottom surface of the support substrate, utilizing the vertical dimension to align with the collecting electrode. This dimensional change allows both components to be located on the same plane (bottom surface) without interfering with the photoelectric conversion area on the top surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design increases the effective area of the solar cell, improves efficiency by reducing contact resistance, and simplifies the connection structure between the collecting electrode and the junction box.

Implementation Method 1

a solar cell has been developed to convert solar energy into electrical energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2610921B1Solar cell and solar cell module including same
Publication Date: 2019.11.20 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • EP2610921B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2610921B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2610921B1 patent drawingFigure 5~9

AI summary

Disclosed are a solar cell and a solar cell module including the same. The solar cell includes a support substrate having first and second surfaces opposite to each other, a photoelectric conversion part disposed on the first surface and including a first electrode, a light absorbing layer, and a second electrode, and a collecting electrode electrically connected to at least one of the first and second electrodes and disposed on the second surface.