Tandem Solar Cell Module Electrode Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tandem solar cell designs with full-surface transparent conductive oxide electrodes at the upper layer reduce the amount of incident light reaching the bottom silicon crystal cell, hindering the absorption of long-wavelength spectrum by the bottom cell.
Innovation Solution
A tandem solar cell module design featuring a transparent substrate with a first solar cell unit and a second solar cell unit, where the electrodes of the second unit are positioned and dimensioned to correspond with those of the first unit, minimizing light shielding and allowing unobstructed light path to the first unit, thereby enhancing light absorption across the spectrum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If an entire surface transparent conductive oxide electrode is used at the upper layer, then the upper cell can effectively transmit light to the bottom cell, but the electrode shields or absorbs parts of the incident light, reducing the amount of light reaching the bottom cell
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the upper cell into multiple independently movable segments that can be adjusted relative to each other. This segmentation allows the upper cell to be positioned in a staggered arrangement, creating light paths that bypass the electrodes of lower cells, thereby reducing light shielding while maintaining effective light transmission to the bottom cell.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs movable and adjustable upper cells that can dynamically change their position and orientation. This dynamic capability allows the system to optimize light transmission by adjusting the upper cells to minimize electrode shadowing, enabling the structure to adapt to different lighting conditions and maximize the amount of light reaching the bottom cell.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the upper cell is designed as a transmission type with full surface electrode, then light absorption by the upper cell is improved, but the electrode reduces the intensity of incident light entering the bottom cell
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the upper cell structure and allowing independent movement of different sections, the patent enables optimized positioning where light can pass through gaps between electrode segments to reach the bottom cell, while the upper cell segments still effectively absorb their designated wavelength ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions by positioning upper and lower cells in a staggered three-dimensional configuration. This dimensional adjustment creates diagonal light paths that allow the upper cell to absorb short wavelength light while permitting long wavelength light to reach the bottom cell through the spaces between electrodes.
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 increases the absorption of spectral energy by the first solar cell unit while minimizing light shielding, allowing more light to reach the bottom cell, thus improving the overall efficiency of the tandem solar cell module.
Implementation Method 1
A tandem solar cell module includes a transparent substrate, a first solar cell unit, and a second solar cell unit disposed between the transparent substrate and the first solar cell unit. The first solar cell unit includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a first absorption layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The second solar cell unit includes a third electrode, a fourth electrode, and a second absorption layer disposed between the third electrode and the fourth electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A tandem solar cell module includes a transparent substrate, a first solar cell unit, and a second solar cell unit disposed between the transparent substrate and the first solar cell unit. The first solar cell unit includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a first absorption layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the second solar cell unit includes a third electrode, a fourth electrode, and a second absorption layer disposed between the third electrode and the fourth electrode, wherein the second electrode is located adjacent to the third electrode, and the positions of the second electrode, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode are corresponding to each other.