Method of manufacturing photovoltaic (PV) enhancement films
US8048250B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 6, 2009 |
| Grant date | Nov 1, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 6, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T156/1023
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for manufacturing a photovoltaic (PV) enhancement film. The method includes providing an extrusion device with an embossing roller engraved to have a pattern corresponding to a set of absorption enhancement structures. The method includes feeding a web of substantially transparent material, such as an UV-stabilized blend of polycarbonate or acrylic. The method includes rolling the embossing roller against a first side of the web to form the absorption enhancement structures. The absorption enhancement structures each include a light receiving surface that directs at least a portion of light that passes through a second side of the web toward the first side back toward the second side (e.g., the structures may be configured to provide total internal reflection when applied to a PV device). The structures refract incident light to provide an average path length ratio of greater than about 1.10 in the PV device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.