A novel photovoltaic cell is described for converting sunlight to electricity at higher efficiency relative to existing cells, and with improved flexibility for integration in modules, both one-sun and concentrating. The new cell contains many small sub-cells, which are internally connected in series. Such configurations are called Monolithic Integrated Modules (MIM) and they are capable of providing very high open circuit voltage. Our MIM design is based on a monolithic device with vertical PN junctions with significant expected advantages in performance relative to existing MIM designs: higher voltage; smaller contact area and no front metallization grid, leading to higher efficiency; better utilization of the solar spectrum; and better matching to integration in modules including concentrator modules. High-voltage cells can be electrically connected in parallel instead of series, leading to nearly independent operation (voltage-coupled instead of current-coupled) even under non-uniform illumination and even partial shading conditions. This will improve the overall performance of a photovoltaic system, and permit a less demanding and less expensive optical design.
Project ID : 6-2011-180
Technology
A novel photovoltaic cell converting sunlight to electricity at higher efficiency relative to existing cells, and with improved flexibility for integration in modules, both one-sun and concentrating. The new cells contain many small sub-cells, which are internally connected in series. Such configurations are usually called Monolithic Integrated Modules (MIM) and they are capable of providing very high open circuit voltage.
The Need
Existing PV cell designs represent a compromise of conflicting physical and electrical effects leading to low efficiency and the subsequent necessity for relatively large areas in order to generate useful amounts of electrical energy.
Advantages
The new cell design approach improves cell performance, using a new structure that provides high voltage and low current. The new design reduces the inactive cell area, eliminating front surface shading altogether, reduces series resistance losses, and provides an additional degree of freedom for optical vs. electric properties optimization.
Potential Applications
Small high-voltage cells can find applications in fields such as power sources for autonomous portable devices and for MEMS devices. In these cases only small amounts of power (small cell area) are needed, but the voltage must be high enough to power the electronics. A cell that will produce the required voltage without the need for an up-converter will be a significant simplification for these systems and will fill a niche need that is not currently addressed.
Stage of Development
Prototype cells are under construction for subsequent initial testing.
Patents
US patent pending
Project manager
Oren Calfon
VP Business Development, ICT
Project researchers
Yossi Rosenwaks
T.A.U Tel Aviv University, Engineering
School of Electrical Engineering
Abraham Kribus
T.A.U Tel Aviv University, Engineering
School of Mechanical Engineering
Rona Sarfaty
Ort Braude College,
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