Solar Cell Module Series Connection via Conductive Adhesive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solar cell modules face challenges in efficiently connecting multiple solar cells in series while maintaining low manufacturing costs and minimizing defects such as short circuits, which can lead to increased defect rates and reduced efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The solar cell module design incorporates a configuration of conductive lines and insulating layers with specific thickness and width ratios, along with conductive adhesives and encapsulants, to ensure reliable electrical connections and prevent short circuits, using materials like copper, aluminum, and ethylene vinyl acetate for enhanced durability and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conductive lines and insulating layers are used to connect solar cells in series, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces conductive adhesives as intermediary materials between conductive lines and electrode regions, and insulating layers as mediators between conductive lines and opposite polarity electrodes. These intermediary elements simplify the manufacturing process by providing standardized connection interfaces while ensuring reliable electrical connections and preventing short circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the connection structure into distinct functional segments: conductive lines for electrical connection, conductive adhesives for bonding, and insulating layers for isolation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall manufacturing process by enabling modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If conductive adhesives with larger thickness are used, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidthickness control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies that conductive adhesive thickness should be larger than insulating layer thickness, creating a parameter relationship that ensures reliable electrical connection while providing manufacturing tolerance. The greater thickness of conductive adhesive compensates for variations in application thickness, maintaining connection reliability even with moderate precision control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If insulating layers are positioned close to conductive lines, then device complexity is reduced, but short circuit risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidshort circuit risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions insulating layers as intermediary elements between conductive lines and opposite polarity electrodes, creating physical separation that prevents short circuits. This intermediary structure maintains simplicity by using a single insulating layer component while effectively eliminating the harmful short circuit risk through proper spatial arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Power

If multiple solar cells are connected in series, then power output is improved, but defect rate increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower outputVSAvoiddefect rate
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the solar cell array into multiple series-connected cells, each with standardized connection interfaces using conductive adhesives and insulating layers. This segmentation allows for modular assembly where consistent connection structures reduce variability-induced defects while achieving higher overall power output through series connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 effectively reduces the defect rate and maintains low line resistance, ensuring efficient electrical connections and improved durability of the solar cell module, while allowing for easy replacement of faulty cells and enhanced light absorption through optimized electrode placement.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of conductive adhesives each formed at a crossing area between the plurality of first conductive lines and the plurality of first electrodes, and between the plurality of second conductive lines and the plurality of second electrodes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of insulating layers formed at a crossing area between the plurality of first conductive lines and the plurality of second electrodes, and between the plurality of second conductive lines and the plurality of first electrodes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Implementation Method 3

solar cells for generating electric energy from solar energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3570332B1Solar cell module
Publication Date: 2020.10.21 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3570332B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3570332B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3570332B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A solar cell module includes a plurality of solar cells, each solar cell including a semiconductor substrate, an emitter region, a back surface field region a first electrode connected to the emitter region, a second electrode connected to the back surface field region, and a conductive line connected to one electrode of the first and second electrodes using a conductive adhesive and insulated from the other electrode of the first and second electrodes through an insulating layer, the conductive line being used to connect a plurality of solar cells in series. A thickness of the conductive adhesive between the one electrode and the conductive line is greater than a thickness of the insulating layer between the other electrode and the conductive line.