Solar Cell Electrode Layout for Small Pad Reliable Current Collection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The reduction in electrode pad area in multi-busbar technology compromises the reliability of the connection between the electrode pad and busbar, and current collection capability, making it difficult to simultaneously reduce unit consumption and ensure reliable connections.

Innovation Solution

A photovoltaic solar cell design featuring a silicon substrate with a passivation layer, an electrode, electrode pad, and extension line, where the extension line connects the busbar and electrode pad, directly contacting the substrate to enhance reliability and current collection, while minimizing unit consumption by optimizing the size and shape of the extension line and busbar.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If the electrode pad area is reduced in multi-busbar technology, then unit consumption is reduced, but the reliability of connection between electrode pad and busbar deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemetallization unit consumptionVSAvoidconnection reliability between electrode pad and busbar
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the electrode structure into multiple components: electrode pad, extension line, and busbar. The extension line acts as an intermediate segment that connects the electrode pad to the busbar, allowing the electrode pad area to be reduced while maintaining connection reliability through the segmented structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The extension line serves as an intermediary element between the electrode pad and the busbar. It mediates the connection by providing an additional contact path with the silicon substrate, ensuring reliable electrical connection even when the electrode pad area is minimized for reduced metallization consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of substance

If the electrode pad area is reduced, then unit consumption is reduced, but current collection capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemetallization unit consumptionVSAvoidcurrent collection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode structure is segmented into electrode pad, extension line, and busbar components. This segmentation allows the current collection function to be distributed across multiple elements, with the extension line providing additional current collection paths that compensate for the reduced electrode pad area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The extension line extends the electrical connection in a new spatial dimension between the electrode pad and busbar. By adding this intermediate element that contacts the substrate, the current collection capability is enhanced through an additional dimensional path, offsetting the area reduction of the electrode pad.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Loss of substance

If a smaller electrode pad is used, then unit consumption is reduced, but connection reliability with busbar deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemetallization unit consumptionVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The extension line functions as a mediator that bridges the gap between the small electrode pad and the busbar. It provides an intermediate connection point that ensures reliable electrical contact, allowing the electrode pad to be minimized while maintaining overall connection reliability through the mediating extension line.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection path is segmented into multiple stages: electrode pad to extension line, and extension line to busbar. This segmentation distributes the connection reliability requirement across multiple interfaces, each optimized for its specific function, allowing the electrode pad area to be reduced without compromising overall connection reliability.

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

The solution ensures reliable connections between the electrode pad and busbar, maintains effective current collection, and reduces unit consumption by using a smaller, optimized extension line and busbar design, preventing grid breakage and erosion from welding alloys.

Implementation Method 1

the extension line is in contact with the silicon substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a passivation layer located on at least one surface of the silicon substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPassivation:

Data Source

PatentEP4141965B1Photovoltaic solar cell, solar cell module and manufacturing process
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 SHANGHAI JINKO GREEN ENERGY ENTERPRISE MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP4141965B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4141965B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4141965B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Provided is a photovoltaic solar cell (1), a solar cell module and a manufacturing process. The photovoltaic solar cell includes a silicon substrate (104), and a passivation layer (102) located on at least one surface of the silicon substrate. An electrode, an electrode pad (2) and an extension line (3) are printed on at least one surface of the silicon substrate. The electrode includes a busbar (11) and a finger (12) crossed with each other, and the finger is in contact with the silicon substrate. Two ends of the extension line are respectively connected to the busbar and the electrode pad, and the extension line is in contact with the silicon substrate.