Multi-Junction Solar Cell Luminescence Analysis With Segmented Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a cost-effective and error-free method to analyze multi-junction solar cells using luminescence radiation, particularly as manufacturing processes transition from laboratory scale to industrial production.

Innovation Solution

A method and device using a multi-element detector with multiple detector elements, where detector elements are grouped to capture different spectral ranges of luminescence radiation, allowing simultaneous analysis of individual sub-solar cells with spatial resolution, and optionally using an optical filter to attenuate overlapping spectral ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple separate detectors are used to analyze different spectral ranges of sub-solar cells, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral range separationVSAvoiddetector system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detector array is segmented into multiple groups, where each group is assigned to detect a specific spectral range. This allows simultaneous detection of different spectral ranges from multiple sub-solar cells using a single detector system, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A single multi-element detector is designed to perform multiple functions by detecting different spectral ranges simultaneously through its array of detector elements. This universal detector replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate detectors, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If mechanical changes and multiple detectors are used for spectral analysis, then analysis accuracy is improved, but productivity and cost-effectiveness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesub-solar cell analysis accuracyVSAvoidanalysis speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

All detector elements in the array operate simultaneously and continuously to detect different spectral ranges, eliminating the need for mechanical changes or sequential measurements. This continuous parallel operation maintains high analysis accuracy while significantly improving productivity and cost-effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Ease of manufacture

If detector elements with overlapping spectral sensitivities are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to spectral overlap

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetector element fabricationVSAvoidspectral range separation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The overlapping spectral sensitivity issue is extracted and addressed by assigning specific spectral ranges to specific groups of detector elements through software evaluation, rather than requiring physically non-overlapping detector characteristics. This allows use of easier-to-manufacture detectors while maintaining measurement precision through computational spectral separation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Enables fast, cost-effective analysis of multi-junction solar cells by eliminating the need for multiple detectors and mechanical changes, while achieving accurate separation of sub-solar cells using commercially available cameras.

Implementation Method 1

luminescence radiation is generated in the sub-junction solar cells by subjecting the multi-junction solar cell to excitation radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLuminescence: Luminescence

Implementation Method 2

employing two different luminescence detectors, each designed to detect luminescence radiation in different wavelength ranges

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoluminescence: Photoluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP4014027B1Method and device for analysing a multiple solar cell with at least two sub-solar cells by means of luminescent radiation
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV
  • EP4014027B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for analysing a multiple solar cell with at least two sub-solar cells by means of luminescent radiation, having the method steps: A. generating luminescent radiation in the sub-solar cells by applying excitation radiation to the multiple solar cell and/or applying an electrical voltage at contacts of the multiple solar cell; B. sensing, in a locally resolved manner, the luminescent radiation by means of at least one multi-element detector having a plurality of detector elements and evaluating different spectral ranges of the luminescent radiation for the different sub-solar cells. The invention is characterised in that in method step B, luminescent radiation emitted from the multiple solar cell is simultaneously applied to the detector elements, wherein a first spectral range is sensed by means of a first group of detector elements, and a second spectral range is sensed by means of a second group of detector elements, which differs from the first group, with the first and the second spectral range differing from one another.