Solar Cell Module Front-Side Interconnect for Moisture Sealing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge lies in connecting solar cell modules on solar blinds efficiently due to limited space and the risk of moisture penetration through conventional through-hole connections, which complicates both installation and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

The solar cell module design features a conductive pattern on the front surface of the substrate, with electrodes on the rear surface, and a protective film covering the front, allowing for easier module connection while preventing moisture ingress and enhancing mechanical strength by reducing output loss through division of solar cells.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If solar cell modules are installed on solar blinds with limited space, then the solar power generation capability is improved, but the ease of connection between modules deteriorates due to narrow mounting space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolar power generation capabilityVSAvoidease of connection between modules

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the connection interface from the rear surface to the front surface of the solar cell module. The conductive pattern is configured with a front surface connection portion that extends to the front surface, allowing electrical connection to be made from the front rather than requiring rear surface access. This dimensional change enables easier connection between modules installed on narrow solar blind structures while maintaining power generation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If conventional through-hole connections are used for connecting solar cell modules, then the electrical connection between modules is achieved, but moisture penetration into the module increases through the through-holes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection between modulesVSAvoidmoisture penetration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the connection function from the through-hole structure and relocates it to the front surface. The conductive pattern is designed so that the connection portion extends to the front surface, eliminating the need for through-holes that penetrate the substrate. This removes the pathway for moisture penetration while maintaining electrical connectivity between modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The front surface connection portion acts as an intermediary element that enables electrical connection without requiring through-holes. By providing a connection interface on the front surface, the patent mediates between the need for electrical connectivity and the need to prevent moisture ingress, allowing modules to be connected while sealing the substrate against moisture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of energy

If solar cells are divided into multiple smaller cells, then the output loss is reduced and efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional connection requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput lossVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The front surface connection portion serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connection between adjacent solar cells, maintains mechanical support for the divided cells, and enables modular assembly. By integrating these functions into a single structural element on the front surface, the patent reduces complexity compared to having separate connection mechanisms for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design facilitates easier connection between solar cell modules, reduces output loss, and prevents moisture penetration, resulting in improved efficiency and durability of the solar cell module.

Implementation Method 1

a conductive pattern 30 connecting the plurality of solar cells 10, and a protective film 40 sealing the plurality of solar cells 10 on the front surface of the substrate 20

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a protective film 40 sealing the plurality of solar cells 10 on the front surface of the substrate 20

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier sealing: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS11749764B2Solar cell module and fabricating methods thereof

Publication Date: 2023.09.05 JINGAO SOLAR CO LTD

AI summary

A solar cell module can include a plurality of solar cells, each solar cell among the plurality of solar cells including a first electrode and a second electrode arranged in parallel on a rear surface of a semiconductor substrate; a substrate including a conductive pattern electrically connecting the plurality of solar cells with each other; and a protective film disposed on the plurality of solar cells on a front surface of the substrate, in which the conductive pattern includes: a plurality of conductive portions, each of the plurality of conductive portions being arranged between two adjacent solar cells among the plurality of solar cells, an electrode portion formed on a rear surface of the substrate, and a connection portion connected to the electrode portion and surrounding a side surface of the substrate.