Multi-junction photovovol converter and solar cell on its basis

Introduction:-

Science Park at Kiev University (SPKU) proposes multi-junction PV converter and a solar cell on its basis.

Among the main advantages of the innovative cell are:

1. High performance

2. Thinness

3. Cost-effectiveness

SPKU is looking for partners interested in developing researches as well as commercialization of the innovation.

Description:-

The main physical principles staying behind the invented cell are:

1. Propagation and absorption of some defined sub-ranges of solar arrays have been increased due to creation of appropriate resonance fields.

2. Multi-layer construction and unique schematic joints exclude energy carriers’ recombination what, in its turn, gives a higher voltage output.

3. Optical coincidence and multi-level retrieval system.

4. Unique design of the solar cell.

Multi-junction PV converters could be manufactured in large scale using conventional PV manufacturing equipment including:

1. Thermal vacuum

2. Ion-plasma deposition

3. Epitaxy

4. Combined technologies for nanometric dielectric and semiconductor wafers manufacturing

At present, there are two publications of international applications entitled to this innovation:
WO/2012/115605 30.08.2012

WO/2012/115603 30.08.2012

Elementary multi-junction PV convertor (see Fig.1, 2) consists of:

1. Two semiconductor layers (1₁&1₂), placed sequentially throughout the light flow. Each layer contains a single p-n/n-p junction.

2. Transparent electric insulator 2₁placed between 1₁ and 1₂

3. At least two pairs of (+) and (-) discrete contact electrodes connected respectively to p-type and n-type.

4. Contact electrodes 3 must connect with each p-type and n-type of all layers throughout the light flow.

Taking into account the familiar approaches of antireflective coating to optics, it is recommended to embed at least one transparent electric insulator 2_i containing at least two transparent electric-insulating layers. More layers are preferred as long as they match effective optical transmission between PV convertor’s components. Fig. 2 illustrates magnified view of the first multi-layered transparent insulator 2₁.

The table below shows the mean improved characteristics of the PV convertor.

An additional advantage to mention herein is that the proposed PV cell could be manufactured using average purity (less cost) solar grade crystals.

Applications:-

Industrial-scale solar farms, commercial and residential solar energy systems.