Transparent Solar Cell Light-Converting Layer Patterning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transparent solar cells reduce the light-receiving area and efficiency by forming through holes, which obstruct light transmission and absorption.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves patterning light-converting layers, forming a thin transparent insulating layer, and constructing electrodes in a manner that allows light to penetrate between and around the light-converting layers, using materials like ZnO and silver, to maintain the light-receiving area and enhance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If through holes are formed in the substrate to transmit light, then light transmission is enabled, but the light-absorbing area is reduced and efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional light absorption (only top surface) to three-dimensional light absorption (top surface plus side surfaces) by forming protruding structures. This dimensional change allows light to be absorbed from multiple directions simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between light transmission and light-absorbing area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a porous or patterned structure with protrusions and recesses that create multiple light absorption pathways. The porous-like structure increases the effective surface area for light absorption while maintaining transparency, allowing both light transmission and efficient absorption.
2Illumination intensity
If a transparent substrate is used to enable light transmission, then transparency is achieved, but the light-receiving area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extends light reception from a single plane (top surface) to multiple planes (top surface and vertical side surfaces) by creating protruding structures. This multi-planar configuration increases the total light-receiving area while preserving substrate transparency.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar cell structure is segmented into multiple light-receiving regions (top surfaces of protrusions and side surfaces) rather than relying on a single continuous layer. This segmentation allows light to be captured from different spatial locations simultaneously.
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 approach enables transparent solar cells to transmit light without reducing the light-receiving area, thereby increasing the solar cell's efficiency by allowing light to be incident on both the main and side surfaces of the light-converting layers.
Implementation Method 1
The solar light cell uses semiconductor materials to convert solar light into electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a solar cell includes forming a first electrode over a substrate; forming a light-converting layer over the first electrode and patterning the light-converting layer to form a plurality of patterned light-converting layers that are spaced apart from each other; forming a transparent insulating layer over the first electrode including the patterned light-converting layers; and forming a second electrode over the transparent insulating layer.