Triangular Transparent Conductors for Solar Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar cells face significant photon loss due to front contact shading and absorption, limiting their efficiency, especially in applications requiring transparent conductors like solar windows, where metal grids compromise visual appearance and performance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of effectively transparent conductors (ETCs) with triangular cross-sections that redirect incident light to an active absorber layer, minimizing absorption and reflection losses while maintaining high conductivity, allowing for up to 99.9% optical transparency and reduced sheet resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal grids are used as front contacts in solar cells, then electrical conductivity is improved, but optical transparency and visual appearance deteriorate due to shading and absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the contact structure by using triangular cross-sections with specific aspect ratios (height-to-base ratios between 2:1 and 10:1) and optimizes the spacing between contacts. These parameter changes allow the contacts to redirect light effectively while maintaining electrical conductivity, resolving the contradiction between conductivity and transparency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite structures combining transparent conductive oxides (TCO) with metallic nanowires or nanoparticle inks formed in triangular grooves. This composite approach maintains electrical conductivity through the metallic components while the transparent oxide and triangular geometry minimize light absorption and shading, achieving both conductivity and transparency.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional flat contacts are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but light absorption and reflection losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces flat, planar contacts with triangular cross-section structures that have curved or angled surfaces. These triangular prisms redirect incident light away from direct absorption paths and toward the active absorber layer, reducing reflection and absorption losses while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing techniques like screen printing or sputtering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional flat contact patterns to three-dimensional triangular cross-section structures. This dimensional change enables the contacts to interact with incident light from multiple angles, redirecting light paths to reduce absorption losses while maintaining electrical functionality, all within existing manufacturing capabilities.
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
ETCs enhance solar cell efficiency by 4-10% and provide a visually appealing, transparent solution for solar windows, enabling efficient light transmission and charge transport without the need for metal grids, while supporting thermal management and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
the first plurality of triangular conductors is configured to redirect a portion of incident light
Implementation Method 2
the first plurality of triangular conductors is configured to redirect a portion of incident light
Implementation Method 3
the portion of incident light travels through both the first surface and the second surface of the first transparent layer of glass
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for transparent materials implementing effectively transparent conductors in accordance with various embodiments of the invention are illustrated. One embodiment includes a window including a first transparent layer of transparent material having a first surface and a second surface, a first plurality of triangular conductors in optical communication with the first transparent layer of glass, wherein each of the first plurality of triangular conductors includes a base side that is parallel to the first surface of the first transparent layer of glass and wherein the first plurality of triangular conductors is configured to redirect a portion of incident light, wherein the portion of incident light travels through both the first surface and the second surface of the first transparent layer of glass.