Three-Terminal Tandem Solar Module Wiring Beyond Fixed 2:1 Voltage Ratio
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-terminal tandem solar cell modules are limited by a fixed voltage ratio of 2:1 between top and bottom cells, restricting the utilization of freely designable band gaps and making it difficult to combine high-efficiency perovskite and crystalline silicon solar cells.
Innovation Solution
A solar cell module configuration that allows for various types of three-terminal tandem solar cells, with M cell groups each including N solar cells, where the first and second photoelectric converters are connected in series, and the third photoelectric converters are connected to the first and second converters across multiple cell groups, maintaining a potential difference of less than 10% between connected terminals, enabling flexible wiring and assembly of different solar cell types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed voltage ratio of 2:1 is used between top and bottom cells, then the wiring connection method is simplified, but the adaptability to different solar cell types and band gap combinations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage ratio parameter from the conventional fixed 2:1 ratio to a new range of 1.8:1 to 2.2:1, allowing flexibility in selecting solar cells with different voltage characteristics while maintaining compatible wiring connections. This parameter adjustment enables the use of various solar cell types including perovskite and crystalline silicon combinations without requiring redesign of the entire wiring system.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiring connection method is designed to be universal, accommodating not only the standard 2:1 voltage ratio but also a range of ratios (1.8:1 to 2.2:1). This multi-functional wiring design allows the same connection methodology to work with different solar cell types and configurations, enhancing versatility while maintaining simplicity.
2Productivity
If various types of three-terminal tandem solar cells are assembled, then the photoelectric conversion efficiency is improved, but the wiring connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By establishing an acceptable voltage ratio range (1.8:1 to 2.2:1) rather than requiring an exact 2:1 ratio, the patent enables the assembly of various solar cell types with different voltage characteristics. This parameter flexibility allows high-efficiency cell combinations while keeping wiring connections manageable through standardized connection procedures that accommodate the voltage range.
3Adaptability or versatility
If perovskite and crystalline silicon solar cells are combined, then the band gap utilization is improved, but the voltage ratio matching becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent expands the acceptable voltage ratio from an exact 2:1 requirement to a range of 1.8:1 to 2.2:1, which accommodates the natural variations in voltage output from perovskite and crystalline silicon cell combinations. This relaxation of the voltage ratio parameter enables effective combination of these cell types with different band gaps while maintaining manufacturing feasibility and electrical compatibility.
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 configuration enhances the efficiency of solar cell modules by allowing for the assembly of various three-terminal tandem solar cells, achieving higher conversion efficiency compared to two-terminal or four-terminal modules and providing a high degree of freedom in wiring, enabling the combination of different solar cell types.
Implementation Method 1
A multi-junction (tandem) solar cell including two stacked photoelectric converters including photoelectric conversion layers with different band gaps is provided for the purpose of effectively utilizing light in a wide wavelength range for higher conversion efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A solar cell module comprises cell groups each containing solar cells, and each solar cell includes photoelectric converters, N number of which being connected in series, and first, second and third terminals. When the first terminal on one end of a first cell group has a reference potential, the second terminal on the other end of the mth cell group is connected to the first terminal on one end of another cell group, and N number of the third terminals of the mth cell group are respectively connected to N number of the first terminals of an m+1th cell group. The difference in potential between the second terminal on the other end of the mth cell group and the first terminal on one end of the other cell group is 10% or less of the difference in potential between the second and first terminals of the mth cell group.