Solar Cell Electrode Assembly for Low-Shading Current Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar cell technologies face challenges in achieving high conversion efficiency while minimizing production costs, particularly in optimizing electrode connections and reducing optical losses due to shading by busbars.
Innovation Solution
The use of a solar cell assembly with a layered structure and an electrode assembly comprising longitudinally extending, laterally spaced conductive elements of different cross-sectional areas, where the larger conductive elements are positioned to extract more current and the smaller elements are positioned where less current extraction is required, optimizing current collection and minimizing shading and power losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If busbars with rectangular cross-section are used for current collection, then current extraction capability is improved, but optical losses due to light shading increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the conductive elements from rectangular to circular cross-section. This parameter change reduces the shading area while maintaining current extraction capability through optimized wire diameter selection and spatial arrangement of multiple wires.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the single busbar structure into multiple discrete conductive elements (wires) arranged in a specific pattern. This segmentation allows light to pass between the wires, reducing optical losses while the collective arrangement maintains sufficient current extraction capability.
2Loss of energy
If circular wires are used instead of rectangular busbars, then optical losses are reduced, but current extraction efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple circular wire elements into a unified electrode assembly that functions collectively for current extraction. The merged structure of multiple wires compensates for the lower individual current extraction capability of circular cross-section compared to rectangular busbars.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes parameters such as wire diameter, spacing, and arrangement pattern to balance optical transmission and electrical conduction. By carefully selecting these parameters, the circular wire configuration achieves both reduced optical losses and maintained current extraction efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform conductive elements are used across the solar cell surface, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but optimal current collection from different regions is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using conductive elements with different cross-sectional areas at different locations on the solar cell. Larger conductive elements are positioned in regions requiring higher current extraction, while smaller elements are used where less current needs to be collected, optimizing overall performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the conductive element configuration by varying cross-sectional areas and spacing patterns across different regions of the solar cell. This asymmetric design allows optimization of current collection for each specific region's electrical load requirements.
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 optoelectronic properties of the electrode assembly, leading to improved conversion efficiency and reduced power losses, while also facilitating better adhesion between the electrode assembly and the solar cell, thus maintaining efficiency over the operating life of the solar cells.
Implementation Method 1
the electrode assembly arranged on the conductive surface of the layered structure such that the conductive elements are in ohmic contact with the conductive surface
Data Source
AI summary
A solar cell assembly (100) comprising: a layered structure (102) comprising a photovoltaic element and a conductive surface (111); and an electrode assembly (101) comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending, laterally spaced conductive elements (104a-104f) arranged side by side, the plurality of conductive elements comprising a first conductive element (104b) having a first cross-sectional area and a second conductive element (104a) having a second cross-sectional area that is larger than the first cross-sectional area, the electrode assembly arranged on the conductive surface of the layered structure such that the conductive elements are in ohmic contact with the conductive surface.