Textured Solar Cell Module Surface for Hidden Electrodes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar cell modules suffer from reduced light-receiving area and aesthetic issues due to visible electrodes, which lowers energy efficiency when attempts are made to conceal them.
Innovation Solution
A solar cell module design featuring a first substrate with convex and concave portions and an inflection portion, where the concave portion is formed to correspond to the electrode's longitudinal direction, and a non-transmissive coating layer is used to visually conceal the electrode while minimizing the reduction in light-receiving area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If electrodes are concealed by a separate configuration, then the aesthetics of buildings is improved, but the overall light receiving area of the solar cell module is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrode concealment function with the light-receiving surface structure itself. The front surface of the solar cell is designed with a specific pattern that simultaneously serves as both the light-receiving area and the concealment structure, eliminating the need for separate concealing configurations that would reduce the light-receiving area.
Solution Approach 2:
The front surface structure of the solar cell is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the light-receiving surface for energy generation, the aesthetic exterior surface for building integration, and the concealment structure for hiding electrodes. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the same structure serve all purposes without requiring additional elements that would reduce light-receiving area.
2Shape
If electrodes are concealed by a separate configuration, then the aesthetics of buildings is improved, but the efficiency of production of electric energy is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrode concealment function with the light-receiving surface structure itself. The front surface is designed with a specific pattern that simultaneously serves as both the light-receiving area and the concealment structure, eliminating the need for separate concealing configurations that would reduce the light-receiving area and thus maintain energy production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The front surface structure is designed to perform multiple functions including serving as the light-receiving surface for energy generation, the aesthetic exterior surface, and the concealment structure for hiding electrodes. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the same structure serve all purposes without requiring additional elements that would reduce light-receiving area and thus maintain energy production efficiency.
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 design effectively conceals the electrodes through diffuse reflection of sunlight, maintaining the solar cell module's light-receiving area and energy efficiency while enhancing building aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
diffuse reflection of sunlight is generated between the concave portion and the inflection portion, and the diffuse reflection of sunlight has an effect of visually concealing the electrode
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4(c)
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A solar cell module is disclosed. The solar cell module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a solar cell including an electrode, wherein the electrode generates electricity using sunlight and transfers electricity; a first substrate disposed above the solar cell; and a second substrate disposed below the solar cell, wherein the first substrate comprises: a body; an convex portion protruding upward from the body; an concave portion formed close to the body than the convex portion; and an inflection portion formed at a midpoint between the convex portion and the concave portion, and wherein a distance between the concave portion and the inflection portion is greater than a width of the electrode.