Solar Cell Management System External Electric Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar cell systems fail to maximize power output and efficiency due to high electron-hole recombination rates, requiring structural modifications and high voltages that increase manufacturing costs and reduce optical energy absorption.
Innovation Solution
A solar cell management system that applies an external electric field across solar cells without modifying their structure, using a switch or voltage pulser circuit to enhance electron-hole pair mobility and reduce recombination, thereby increasing power output and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If structural modifications are made to solar cells to improve power output, then manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external electric field as an intermediary mechanism to enhance charge carrier separation and reduce recombination losses. This external field acts as a mediator that improves power output without requiring structural modifications to the solar cell itself, thereby avoiding increased manufacturing complexity while achieving higher productivity
2Productivity
If high voltages are applied to solar cells to increase electron-hole pair mobility, then power output improves but equipment complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the external electric field strength to achieve enhanced electron-hole pair mobility without requiring high voltage equipment. The method changes the operational parameters of the solar cell by applying a controlled external field that improves charge carrier separation and reduces recombination, thereby increasing power output while avoiding the complexity and cost of high voltage systems
3Productivity
If recombination rates are reduced to maximize power generation, then efficiency improves but additional control mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing an external electric field across the solar cell before charge carriers are generated. This preliminary field configuration ensures that when electron-hole pairs are created, they are immediately subjected to the separating force of the external field, preventing recombination before it can occur. This approach maximizes power generation efficiency without requiring complex real-time control mechanisms to manage recombination rates
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 system improves solar cell efficiency and power output by up to 50% under low light conditions and 20% under high light conditions, without the need for structural modifications or high voltage equipment, while stabilizing power output under varying illumination conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A solar cell (also called a photovoltaic cell) is an electrical device that converts the energy of light directly into electricity by a process known as 'the photovoltaic effect.'
Implementation Method 2
applying an external electric field across the solar cells... enhances electron-hole pair mobility and reduce recombination
Data Source
AI summary
A solar cell management system for increasing the efficiency and power output of a solar cell and methods for making and using the same. The management system provides an electric field across an individual solar cell, an array of solar cells configured as a panel, or a group of solar panels. The imposed electric field exerts a force on both the electrons and holes created by light incident on the solar cell and accelerates the electron-hole pairs towards the electrodes of the solar cell. Compared to conventional solar cells, these accelerated electron-hole pairs travel a shorter distance from creation (by incident optical radiation) and spend less time within the solar cell material, therefore the electron-hole pairs have a lower likelihood of recombining within the cells' semiconductor's material. This reduction in the electron-hole recombination rate results in an overall increase in the solar cells' efficiency and greater power output.