Structure and method for improving solar cell efficiency and mechanical strength
US8828517B2 · kind B2 · utility
3Cited by
65References
2Claims
0Family size
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Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 22, 2010 |
| Grant date | Sep 9, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 22, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24149
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A three-dimensional thin film solar cell (3-D TFSC) substrate having enhanced mechanical strength, light trapping, and metal modulation coverage properties. The substrate includes a plurality of unit cells, which may or may not be different. Unit cells are defined as a small self-contained geometrical pattern which may be repeated. Each unit cell structure includes a wall enclosing a trench. Further, the unit cell includes an aperture having an aperture diameter. A pre-determined variation in wall thickness, wall height, and aperture diameter among unit cells across the substrate produces specific advantages.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.