Solar Cell Through-Hole Segmentation for Short Circuit Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar cell apparatuses face issues with short circuits and low photoelectric conversion efficiency due to the lack of effective division between cells, which affects the performance and reliability of the solar cells.
Innovation Solution
The solar cell apparatus incorporates third and fourth through holes of varying widths in the light absorbing and window layers, respectively, to create a step difference and effectively divide each cell, preventing short circuits and improving photoelectric conversion efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cells are divided in a solar cell apparatus, then photoelectric conversion efficiency is improved, but short circuits between cells may occur due to improper division structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by forming through-holes in both the light absorbing layer and window layer to divide the solar cell into multiple independent cells. The light absorbing layer is divided into separate regions through third through-holes, and the window layer is divided into separate regions through fourth through-holes, creating electrically isolated cells that prevent short circuits while maintaining photoelectric conversion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating different hole structures at different locations and layers. The third through-holes in the light absorbing layer have different dimensions than the fourth through-holes in the window layer, with the fourth through-holes being larger to accommodate the step difference. This localized structural variation ensures proper cell division while preventing harmful electrical connections between adjacent cells.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If through holes are formed to divide cells, then short circuits are prevented, but manufacturing complexity increases due to multiple etching steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by forming mask patterns on the window layer before etching the through-holes. The mask patterns are prepared in advance with specific geometries that define both the third through-holes in the light absorbing layer and the fourth through-holes in the window layer. This preliminary masking step simplifies the subsequent etching process by pre-defining the hole structures, reducing the need for multiple complex etching steps.
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 described structure effectively prevents short circuits between cells and enhances the photoelectric conversion efficiency by dividing the light absorbing and window layers, thereby improving the durability and reliability of the solar cell apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a solar cell apparatus, which is a PN hetero junction apparatus having a substrate structure including a glass substrate, a metallic back electrode layer, a P type CIGS-based light absorbing layer
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a solar cell apparatus and a method of fabricating the same. The A solar cell apparatus includes a substrate; a back electrode layer on the substrate; a light absorbing layer on the back electrode layer; and a window layer on the light absorbing layer, wherein the light absorbing layer is formed with a third through hole having a first width, and the window layer is formed with a fourth through hole having a second width larger than the first width, and the fourth through hole corresponds to the third through hole.