Solar Cell Electrode Diffusion Barrier for Lower Light Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar cell devices experience a decrease in power generation efficiency due to material diffusion between the electrode and the solar cell unit, which also affects the reliability of the device.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a first diffusion reducer with varying thicknesses between the electrode and the solar cell unit, where the thinner portion allows more sunlight to reach the photoelectric converter while reducing material diffusion, thereby maintaining reliability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transparent electrode film is used as an interface layer to reduce deterioration from diffusion, then reliability is improved, but power generation efficiency decreases due to light absorption loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the diffusion reducer's thickness non-uniform: a first thickness in the first region (overlapping the electrode) and a second thickness in the second region (non-overlapping), where the second thickness is smaller than the first. This allows the patent to optimize light transmission in the non-overlapping region while maintaining diffusion prevention in the overlapping region, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and power generation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the diffusion reducer into different thickness regions: a first region corresponding to the area overlapping the electrode and a second region corresponding to the area not overlapping the electrode. This segmentation allows different portions of the diffusion reducer to serve different functions - the first portion provides diffusion protection while the second, thinner portion minimizes light absorption loss, thus resolving the technical contradiction.
2Reliability
If a diffusion reducer is placed between the electrode and solar cell unit to prevent material diffusion, then reliability is improved, but light absorption loss increases reducing power generation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by varying the thickness of the diffusion reducer across different regions. The first region (overlapping the electrode) has a greater thickness to effectively prevent material diffusion, while the second region (non-overlapping) has a smaller thickness to minimize light absorption. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction between reliability improvement and productivity maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of thickness across different regions of the diffusion reducer. By setting the thickness in the first region to be greater than in the second region, the patent optimizes both diffusion prevention and light transmission properties, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and power generation efficiency.
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 structure enhances power generation efficiency by minimizing light absorption loss and material diffusion, thus improving the overall performance of the solar cell device.
Implementation Method 1
reduce deterioration resulting from diffusion between the current-collecting electrode and the semiconductor
Implementation Method 2
a solar cell unit that generates electricity in response to incident light
Data Source
AI summary
A solar cell device includes a solar cell unit, an electrode, and a first diffusion reducer. The solar cell unit includes a light-receiving surface. The first diffusion reducer is located between the solar cell unit and the electrode. The first diffusion reducer includes a first surface on the light-receiving surface and a second surface on the electrode. In a plan view of the light-receiving surface, the first diffusion reducer is located in an area other than at least part of an area not overlapping the electrode.