Solar Cell Module With Segmented Hole Blocking Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Solar cell modules experience a significant reduction in output when exposed to high illuminance, such as sunlight, leading to decreased performance with low illuminance light sources like LEDs or fluorescent lamps, due to electric current leakage and damage to the photosensitizing compound.

Innovation Solution

The solar cell module design features photoelectric conversion elements with hole-blocking layers not extended to each other but with continuous hole transport layers, preventing electric current leakage and protecting the photosensitizing compound from high illuminance, thereby maintaining high output with low illuminance light sources before and after exposure to high illuminance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hole blocking layers are extended to each other in adjacent photoelectric conversion elements, then electric current leakage is prevented, but output reduction occurs after exposure to high illuminance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric current leakage preventionVSAvoidpower output with low illuminance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The hole blocking layers in adjacent photoelectric conversion elements are segmented and not extended to each other, creating isolated regions. This segmentation prevents the formation of continuous leakage paths while maintaining individual element functionality, resolving the contradiction between preventing current leakage and maintaining power output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hole transport layers serve as an intermediary continuous layer between adjacent photoelectric conversion elements. This continuous hole transport layer mediates the electrical connection while the discontinuous hole blocking layers prevent direct leakage paths, allowing current flow through the intended pathway while blocking unwanted leakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If photosensitizing compound is exposed to high illuminance, then power generation capability is improved, but damage to the photosensitizing compound occurs leading to output reduction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation capabilityVSAvoidphotosensitizing compound durability

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The discontinuous hole blocking layers are configured in advance to prevent direct exposure of the photosensitizing compound to high illuminance by blocking light paths that would cause damage. This preliminary protective structure prevents the harmful effect before it occurs, allowing the compound to maintain its functionality after exposure to high illuminance conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Productivity

If continuous hole transport layers are formed in adjacent photoelectric conversion elements, then electric current flow is improved, but electric current leakage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric current flowVSAvoidelectric current leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hole blocking layers are segmented and discontinuous, creating isolated regions that prevent the formation of continuous leakage paths between adjacent elements. This segmentation strategy allows the continuous hole transport layer to facilitate current flow while the segmented blocking layers intercept potential leakage paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the photoelectric conversion element are given different properties: the hole transport layer is continuous to facilitate current flow, while the hole blocking layers are discontinuous to prevent leakage. This local differentiation of layer continuity resolves the contradiction between improving current flow and preventing leakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 ensures high power output with indoor light sources and sunlight, even after exposure to high illuminance, by preventing electric current leakage and protecting the photosensitizing compound, thus enhancing the durability and efficiency of the solar cell module.

Implementation Method 1

a solar cell module includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

the hole-blocking layers are not extended to each other but the hole transport layers are in a state of a continuous layer where the hole transport layers are extended to each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCharge carrier transport and blocking: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

an electron transport layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron transport: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11594382B2Solar cell module

Publication Date: 2023.02.28 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

Provided is a solar cell module including photoelectric conversion elements, wherein each of the photoelectric conversion elements includes a first substrate, and a first electrode, a hole blocking layer, an electron transport layer, a hole transport layer, a second electrode, and a second substrate on the first substrate, and a sealing member between the first substrate and the second substrate, and wherein, within at least two of the photoelectric conversion elements adjacent to each other, the hole-blocking layers are not extended to each other but the hole transport layers are in a state of a continuous layer where the hole transport layers are extended to each other.