Thin-Film Solar Cell Structure for Independent Color and Transparency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current window solar cell modules face challenges in simultaneously achieving high photoelectric conversion efficiency, light transmission, and color characteristics, particularly in independently controlling external and internal colors and transmittance without degrading photoelectric conversion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A thin-film solar cell structure is developed with a back transparent electrode, light absorption layer, and front transparent electrode sequentially stacked on a transparent substrate, where a light transmission part region is formed by removing the front color layer and light absorption layer, allowing independent adjustment of external and internal colors and transmittance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a color layer is provided on the back surface to implement external color by light reflection, then external color is achieved, but internal color cannot be implemented and transmittance cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the color control function into two separate components: a front color layer for external color and a back transparent electrode with adjustable thickness for internal color. This segmentation allows independent control of external and internal colors, resolving the contradiction by enabling both functions simultaneously rather than choosing one over the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of control by making the back transparent electrode thickness adjustable. This dimensional parameter allows the same component to serve multiple functions: maintaining transparency for light transmission while controlling internal color through interference effects, thereby enabling both transmittance adjustment and internal color implementation.
2Illumination intensity
If transparent electrode thickness is adjusted to control external and internal colors independently, then color control is achieved, but transmittance cannot be adjusted and photoelectric conversion efficiency is dependent on reflectance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability by making the light transmission opening area variable. This allows the system to adapt transmittance levels based on different operational requirements while maintaining independent color control through the separate front color layer and back transparent electrode design, resolving the contradiction between color control and transmittance adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the light transmission control into two independent mechanisms: color control through the front color layer and back transparent electrode, and transmittance control through the light transmission opening area. This segmentation allows each parameter to be optimized independently without compromising the other.
3Illumination intensity
If crystalline silicon solar cells with color panels are used to achieve aesthetic colors, then external appearance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase and installation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin-film solar cells instead of bulky crystalline silicon modules, enabling the integration of color layers and transparent electrodes directly within the thin-film structure. This thin-film approach simplifies manufacturing by combining multiple functions into a single integrated structure, reducing both manufacturing and installation complexity while maintaining aesthetic color performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the color panel function, transparent electrode function, and solar cell function into a single integrated thin-film structure. The front color layer, back transparent electrode, and light absorption layer work together as one unified component, eliminating the need for separate color panels and simplifying both manufacturing processes and installation procedures.
4Illumination intensity
If light transmission opening area is increased to improve transmittance, then transmittance is improved, but photoelectric conversion efficiency degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control of the light transmission opening area, allowing optimization of the balance between transmittance and photoelectric conversion efficiency based on specific application requirements. This dynamic adjustability resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to operate at different points along the transmittance-efficiency trade-off curve rather than being fixed at a single compromise point.
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 enables independent control of external and internal colors and transmittance, minimizing degradation of photoelectric conversion efficiency, thus effectively addressing the demands of window solar cell modules.
Implementation Method 1
a light absorption layer 130, wherein a light transmission part region T, to which the back transparent electrode 120 is exposed, is formed by removing the front color layer 150, the front transparent electrode 140, and the light absorption layer 130
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a thin-film solar cell capable of independently adjusting transparency and color, which is capable of selectively controlling transmittance while independently adjusting external and internal colors within a range in which degradation of photoelectric conversion efficiency is minimized, and a method of manufacturing the same, and the thin-film solar cell capable of independently adjusting transparency and color according to the present disclosure includes a structure in which a back transparent electrode, a light absorption layer, a front transparent electrode, and a front color layer are sequentially stacked on a transparent substrate, in which a light transmission part region, to which the back transparent electrode is exposed, is formed by removing the front color layer, the front transparent electrode, and the light absorption layer.