Solar Cell Bus Bar Segmentation for Current Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar cells experience current loss due to inefficient electron flow, particularly when electrons travel from one end to the other, which affects overall efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The solar cell apparatus features a central first bus bar connecting cells on both sides in parallel, with second and third bus bars at the ends, allowing electrons to move a shorter distance and in opposite directions, enabling cells connected in series to also be connected in parallel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If electrons move from one end to the other end of the solar cell, then the current can be collected, but the electron travel distance is long causing current loss and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell is divided into multiple segments with intermediate bus bars positioned at different locations along the cell. These bus bars segment the electron collection paths, allowing electrons to travel shorter distances to reach the nearest bus bar rather than traveling the full length of the cell. This segmentation of the collection structure directly reduces electron travel distance and associated current losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces bus bars at multiple positions along the length of the solar cell, transforming the single-point collection approach into a distributed multi-point collection system. This dimensional expansion of the collection architecture provides multiple access points for electron extraction, effectively reducing the average travel distance electrons must cover.
2Power
If cells are connected in series to increase voltage, then the power output increases, but the electron travel path becomes longer increasing current loss
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell structure is segmented with multiple bus bars positioned at different locations, creating multiple parallel current collection paths. This segmentation allows the cell to maintain series connections for voltage buildup while simultaneously providing shorter electron travel paths through the distributed bus bar arrangement, thus reducing current loss despite the series configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines series and parallel connection advantages by using multiple bus bars that create both series voltage buildup and parallel current collection paths. This merging of connection strategies allows the system to achieve high power output through series connections while mitigating current loss through parallel-like short paths provided by the intermediate bus bars.
3Loss of energy
If a simple bus bar configuration is used, then the device complexity is low, but current loss increases due to inefficient electron collection
Solution Approach 1:
The bus bar system is segmented into multiple sections positioned at different locations along the solar cell. This segmentation creates multiple collection points that reduce electron travel distance and current loss, while the modular nature of the segmented configuration keeps the overall device complexity manageable through repeated standard elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial parameters of the bus bar configuration by positioning bus bars at specific intervals along the cell length. This parameter optimization balances the reduction of electron travel distance with the maintenance of acceptable device complexity, achieving improved current collection efficiency without excessive structural complexity.
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 configuration enhances efficiency by reducing electron travel distance and optimizing current flow, resulting in improved performance compared to traditional solar cell designs.
Implementation Method 1
solar cells that convert solar energy into electrical energy
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
Provided is a solar cell apparatus. The solar cell apparatus includes a substrate, a plurality of first cells disposed on the substrate, a plurality of second cells disposed on the substrate, and a first bus bar disposed between the first cells and the second cells, the first bus bar being connected to the first cells and the second cells.