Multi-Junction Solar Cell Layout for Leakage Current Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar cells face inefficiencies due to leakage currents between conductive layers, which are difficult to suppress without complicating the manufacturing process, especially when using high-conductivity photoelectric conversion materials like Cu2O.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a third compound region with higher resistivity as an electrical separation layer between the conductive layers, which functions as an insulating layer to reduce leakage currents while maintaining a simple manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conductive layers are placed close to each other in existing solar cells, then device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but leakage currents occur between the conductive layers reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a compound layer as an intermediary substance between the first and second conductive layers. This compound layer acts as a mediator that prevents direct electrical contact between the conductive layers, thereby suppressing leakage currents while maintaining the simplified structural arrangement. The compound layer specifically positions itself at critical interfaces to block charge carrier leakage without requiring complex additional structures.
2Loss of energy
If a third compound region is added as an electrical separation layer, then leakage currents are suppressed and photoelectric conversion efficiency increases, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the local quality principle by introducing the third compound region specifically at the critical interface where the first and second conductive layers meet or overlap. Rather than uniformly complicating the entire structure, the compound region is localized precisely where leakage currents occur, providing targeted suppression without unnecessary complexity elsewhere in the solar cell structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The third compound region functions as an electrical separation layer that mediates between the first and second conductive layers. It creates an intermediate zone that prevents direct electrical contact and charge carrier leakage, while its specific localization ensures that the mediating function is achieved with minimal additional structural complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing solar cell structures are used without electrical separation, then manufacturing process remains simple, but efficiency is limited due to leakage currents between conductive layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the compound layer formation process with the existing solar cell manufacturing sequence, integrating the electrical separation function into the standard fabrication流程. The compound layer is formed in conjunction with the conductive layers during normal manufacturing steps, combining the structural formation and electrical separation functions without requiring separate complex manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The compound layer serves as an intermediary that is incorporated into the existing manufacturing framework. It provides the electrical separation function while being formed using standard manufacturing techniques, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while enabling improved efficiency through leakage current suppression.
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 the efficiency of solar cells by effectively suppressing leakage currents and improving charge extraction, resulting in higher photoelectric conversion efficiency without complicating the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
a first photoelectric conversion layer provided between the first conductive layer and the first conductive region
Implementation Method 2
a second photoelectric conversion layer provided between the second conductive layer and the second conductive region
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a solar cell includes first and second conductive layers, first and second counter conductive layers, first and second photoelectric conversion layers, first and second compound layers. The first counter conductive layer includes a first conductive region. A direction from the first conductive layer to the first conductive region is along a first direction. The first compound layer includes a first compound region provided between the first photoelectric conversion layer and the first conductive region. A second direction from the first conductive layer to the second conductive layer crosses the first direction. The second counter conductive layer includes a second conductive region electrically connected with the first conductive layer. A direction from the second conductive layer to the second conductive region is along the first direction. A direction from the first conductive region to the second conductive region is along the second direction.