Solar Cell Electrode Assembly With Intermediary Ohmic Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar cell assemblies face challenges in achieving high power conversion efficiency due to poor contact resistance between electrodes, leading to increased production costs and reduced fill factor.
Innovation Solution
A solar cell assembly with a layered structure featuring a photovoltaic element and an electrode assembly comprising conductive wire portions, first conductive elements on the surface, and second conductive elements interposed between the wire portions and the first elements, forming ohmic contacts to reduce contact resistivity and enhance fill factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional electrode connections with copper ribbons soldered to busbar electrodes are used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is straightforward, but contact resistivity is high leading to resistance losses and reduced fill factor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second plurality of conductive elements as an intermediary layer between the conductive wire portions and the first conductive elements. This intermediate layer acts as a mediator to improve electrical contact and reduce contact resistivity, thereby minimizing resistance losses while managing the increased structural complexity through a systematic multi-layer approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode assembly employs composite material structures with multiple conductive elements made from different materials optimized for specific functions. The first conductive elements are made from semiconductor material matching the layered structure, while the second conductive elements provide enhanced conductivity and contact properties, creating a composite system that reduces overall resistance losses.
2Reliability
If direct contact between conductive wires and busbar electrodes is used, then the electrode assembly is simple, but contact interface quality is poor resulting in high contact resistivity and reduced fill factor
Solution Approach 1:
The second plurality of conductive elements serves as an intermediary layer that improves the contact interface quality between the conductive wire portions and the first conductive elements. This intermediate layer ensures better electrical contact and reduces contact resistivity, thereby enhancing reliability while the systematic arrangement manages the increased number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode assembly is segmented into multiple distinct layers: first conductive elements integrated with the layered structure, second conductive elements as an intermediate contact layer, and conductive wire portions. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall contact interface quality while organizing the complexity into manageable segments.
3Productivity
If more conductive elements are added to improve contact, then contact resistivity decreases and fill factor increases, but material costs and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first conductive elements with the layered structure itself, making them integral parts of the semiconductor substrate rather than separate components. This integration reduces the number of discrete manufacturing steps while still achieving the benefit of improved contact through the multi-layer conductive element structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameters and structural parameters of the conductive elements to optimize power conversion efficiency. By selecting specific materials with appropriate conductivity properties and arranging them in a multi-layer configuration, the system achieves reduced contact resistivity and improved fill factor while managing manufacturing complexity through parameter optimization.
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 solution effectively reduces resistance losses and increases the fill factor of the solar cell assembly by improving the contact interface between conductive wires and electrodes, thereby enhancing power conversion efficiency while minimizing material costs.
Implementation Method 1
the first plurality of conductive elements are configured to form an ohmic contact between the second plurality of conductive elements and the surface of the layered structure, and the second plurality of conductive elements are configured to form an ohmic contact between the first plurality of conductive elements and the plurality of conductive wire portions
Data Source
AI summary
A solar cell assembly comprising; a layered structure comprising a photovoltaic element; and an electrode assembly arranged on a surface of the layered structure, the electrode assembly comprising; a plurality of conductive wire portions, a first plurality of conductive elements arranged on the surface of the layered structure; and a second plurality of conductive elements interposed between the plurality of conductive wire portions and the first plurality of conductive elements; wherein the first plurality of conductive elements are configured to form an ohmic contact between the second plurality of conductive elements and the surface of the layered structure, and the second plurality of conductive elements are configured to form an ohmic contact between the first plurality of conductive elements and the plurality of conductive wire portions.