Wavelength-converting encapsulant for solar cells
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wavelength-converting media in solar cells have low efficiency and are prone to degradation, leading to reduced photoelectric conversion efficiency, especially when exposed to sunlight, and often absorb light that could be utilized for power generation.
Innovation Solution
A wavelength-converting encapsulant composition comprising a first organic material that absorbs ultraviolet light and converts it to longer wavelength light, and a second organic material that further converts this light, with specific emission and excitation wavelength relationships to enhance wavelength conversion efficiency, preventing absorption of converted light by other media.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional wavelength-converting media are used to convert non-contributable light to contributable wavelengths, then photoelectric conversion efficiency is improved, but the wavelength-converting media absorb light that could be utilized for power generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the wavelength-converting media by formulating specific organic compound ratios (first organic compound 0.01-1 part by weight, second organic compound 0.001-0.1 part by weight based on 100 parts by weight of matrix resin) to optimize the balance between conversion efficiency and light transmission, reducing parasitic absorption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite encapsulant material combining matrix resin with multiple organic compounds (first organic compound for UV absorption, second organic compound for visible light absorption) that work synergistically to convert non-contributable wavelengths while maintaining transparency to contributable wavelengths for power generation
2Reliability
If conventional wavelength-converting media are exposed to sunlight, then wavelength conversion function is provided, but the materials are degraded and significantly reduced in wavelength-converting function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs organic compounds that can be replaced or replenished, focusing on cost-effective materials (0.01-1 part by weight first organic compound, 0.001-0.1 part by weight second organic compound) that provide sufficient service life while maintaining performance, accepting that they may degrade over time but can be economically replaced
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical structure parameters and concentration ratios of organic compounds to enhance photostability, selecting compounds with appropriate absorption spectra and stability characteristics to resist degradation under prolonged sunlight exposure while maintaining conversion efficiency
3Productivity
If two or more wavelength-converting medium layers are simply combined or two or more wavelength-converting media are simply mixed in a single layer, then wavelength conversion is attempted, but the wavelength-converting media themselves absorb even a wavelength that could otherwise be absorbed and used for photoelectric conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple wavelength-converting functions into a single encapsulant layer by combining first organic compound (UV absorber) and second organic compound (visible light absorber) within the same matrix resin, eliminating the need for multiple separate layers while achieving sequential wavelength conversion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of organic compounds (first organic compound 0.01-1 part by weight, second organic compound 0.001-0.1 part by weight based on 100 parts by weight of matrix resin) to ensure that each compound operates at optimal loading to minimize self-absorption and maximize conversion efficiency
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
Significantly improves photoelectric conversion efficiency by effectively converting non-contributable light to contributable wavelengths, reducing the negative effects of light absorption by wavelength-converting media and enhancing durability and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a first organic material capable of absorbing ultraviolet light and converting absorbed light to light with a wavelength longer than that of the absorbed light
Implementation Method 2
a second organic material capable of absorbing light with a wavelength longer than that of the light absorbed by the first organic material and converting absorbed light to light with a wavelength longer than that of the absorbed light
Data Source
AI summary
A wavelength-converting encapsulant composition is provided, which includes a first organic material capable of absorbing ultraviolet light and converting absorbed light to longer wavelength light; and a second organic material capable of absorbing light with a wavelength longer than that of the light absorbed by the first organic material and converting absorbed light to longer wavelength light, wherein the maximum emission wavelength λ1em of the first organic material and the maximum excitation wavelength λ2ex of the second organic material satisfy the relationship of formula (1): λ1em−60≤λ2ex (nm), and which has high durability, is advantageous in terms of cost and suitable for use on solar cells, and can improve the photoelectric conversion efficiency of solar cells by converting light in a wavelength region not contributable to power generation to light in another wavelength region contributable to power generation.