Segmented Solar Cell Electrode Layout for Shingled Module Flexibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional solar cell modules formed by shingling small element pieces are limited in size and shape due to the fixed dimensions of the semiconductor substrate, restricting the variety of solar cell module configurations.

Innovation Solution

A solar cell with a semiconductor substrate sectioned into four large sections and further divided into small sections with strategically placed collector electrodes, allowing for flexible interconnection and formation of modules with various sizes and shapes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the semiconductor substrate uses the largest possible area of the cross-section of the silicon single crystal ingot, then the manufacturing efficiency and material utilization are improved, but the size and shape of the solar cell module formed by shingling are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidmodule size and shape variety

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The solar cell is divided into multiple small element pieces by introducing division lines that extend from one side to another side of the solar cell. This segmentation allows the small element pieces to be flexibly arranged and interconnected by shingling to form solar cell modules of various sizes and shapes, while still utilizing the full area of the semiconductor substrate for manufacturing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solar cell design with multiple division lines creates small element pieces that can serve multiple configuration purposes. These small element pieces can be arranged in different patterns and interconnected to form solar cell modules of various sizes and shapes, making the same semiconductor substrate design universally applicable to multiple module configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If the solar cell is divided into small element pieces with fixed dimensions, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the versatility of solar cell module configurations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedivision process simplicityVSAvoidmodule configuration variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The division lines are designed to extend across the solar cell in specific patterns that create small element pieces capable of dynamic arrangement. The small element pieces can be positioned in different configurations during assembly, enabling versatile module designs while maintaining a standardized division process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 the creation of solar cell modules with greater versatility in size and shape by ensuring each section's dimensions are adjustable, preventing short circuits and reducing material costs through optimized electrode placement.

Implementation Method 1

a solar cell having a substantially rectangular shape, the solar cell including: a semiconductor substrate having a substantially rectangular shape; and a plurality of collector electrodes formed on the semiconductor substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20230378381A1Solar cell

Publication Date: 2023.11.23 KANEKA CORP

AI summary

Provided is a solar cell including: a semiconductor substrate having a substantially rectangular shape; and collector electrodes. The semiconductor substrate is sectioned into first, second, third, and fourth large sections by a first large sectioning line passing a center of a first side of the semiconductor substrate and substantially parallel to a second side of the semiconductor substrate and a second large sectioning line passing through a center of the second side of the semiconductor substrate and substantially parallel to the first side of the semiconductor substrate. The collector electrodes include finger electrodes. The finger electrodes provided on each of the first and third large sections extends in a first direction, and the finger electrodes provided on each of the second and the fourth large sections extends in a second direction.