Thin Film Solar Cell Diffusion-Inhibiting Layer Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thin-film solar cells face issues with interfering substances diffusing from the substrate, affecting grain growth and reducing cell current, and current diffusion barrier layers have low coating rates and high energy requirements.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an additional diffusion-inhibiting layer between the substrate and diffusion barrier layer, composed of materials like zinc oxide and tin oxide, which absorbs interfering substances, allowing for a thinner diffusion barrier layer with reduced energy consumption and improved coating efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a diffusion barrier layer is applied to prevent interfering substances from diffusing into the photoactive layer, then the reliability of the solar cell is improved, but the energy consumption during manufacturing increases and the coating rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the original single diffusion barrier layer into two separate layers: a diffusion-inhibiting layer (first layer) and a diffusion barrier layer (second layer). The diffusion-inhibiting layer absorbs interfering substances, while the diffusion barrier layer prevents their further diffusion. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the overall energy consumption while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffusion-inhibiting layer acts as an intermediary between the substrate and the diffusion barrier layer. It absorbs interfering substances that would otherwise directly interact with the diffusion barrier layer, thereby reducing the burden on the diffusion barrier layer and enabling it to be applied with lower energy consumption.
2Reliability
If a diffusion barrier layer is applied to prevent interfering substances from diffusing into the photoactive layer, then the reliability of the solar cell is improved, but the coating rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the original single diffusion barrier layer into two separate layers: a diffusion-inhibiting layer (first layer) and a diffusion barrier layer (second layer). The diffusion-inhibiting layer absorbs interfering substances, while the diffusion barrier layer prevents their further diffusion. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the overall energy consumption while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffusion-inhibiting layer acts as an intermediary between the substrate and the diffusion barrier layer. It absorbs interfering substances that would otherwise directly interact with the diffusion barrier layer, thereby reducing the burden on the diffusion barrier layer and enabling it to be applied with lower energy consumption.
3Reliability
If a thick diffusion barrier layer is applied to ensure complete blocking of interfering substances, then the reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the original single diffusion barrier layer into two separate layers: a diffusion-inhibiting layer (first layer) and a diffusion barrier layer (second layer). The diffusion-inhibiting layer absorbs interfering substances, while the diffusion barrier layer prevents their further diffusion. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the overall energy consumption while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffusion-inhibiting layer acts as an intermediary between the substrate and the diffusion barrier layer. It absorbs interfering substances that would otherwise directly interact with the diffusion barrier layer, thereby reducing the burden on the diffusion barrier layer and enabling it to be applied with lower energy consumption.
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 effectively prevents interfering substances from reaching the photoactive layers, reducing energy costs and enhancing the longevity and efficiency of thin-film solar cells, especially on metallic substrates, while minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
An additional diffusion-inhibiting layer is arranged between the substrate and the diffusion barrier layer... This diffusion-inhibiting layer absorbs interfering substances migrating out of the substrate
Implementation Method 2
A diffusion barrier layer is therefore often applied to the substrate in order to prevent the diffusion of the interfering substance from the substrate
Implementation Method 3
Photovoltaic cells are used today to generate electricity from sunlight
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The thin-film solar cell (10) according to the invention comprises a substrate (11), a diffusion barrier layer (13), a back-contact layer (14) arranged on the side of the diffusion barrier layer (13) which faces away from the substrate (11), and a photoactive absorber layer (14). According to the invention, an additional diffusion-inhibiting layer (12) is arranged between the substrate (11) and the diffusion barrier layer (13).