JP2006049268A - Dye-sensitized solar cell module - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a dye-sensitized solar cell module that is easy to be connected in series to or in parallel, with each other. <P>SOLUTION: This single solar cell module is formed, by connecting a first cell block and a second cell block to each other by fitting a recessed part 850 of the second cell block 1320 to a projecting part 810 of the first cell block 1310. The cell blocks 1310 and 1320 are connected to each other by mutual latch action between first and second latch projections 811 and 851. A first conductive film 210 of the first cell block is electrically connected to a second conductive film 230 of the second cell block through the first and second projections. Thereby, the unit cell blocks are connected, by being mutually assembled into a lego block-like shape, and serial or parallel connection for the solar cell module can be carried out simply and in convenient manner. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a solar cell, and more particularly, to a solar cell module in which a unit block of a dye-sensitized solar cell can be easily assembled by configuring it as a LEGO (registered trademark) block type and has high energy conversion efficiency.

  The dye-sensitized solar cell is a photoelectrochemical material mainly composed of a photosensitive dye molecule capable of generating an electron-hole pair that absorbs visible light and a transition metal oxide that transmits the generated electron. It is a solar cell. A typical example of such a dye-sensitized solar cell is a photoelectrochemical solar cell proposed by Michael Gratzel et al. Such a dye-sensitized solar cell is attracting attention as a next-generation solar cell that can replace an existing silicon solar cell because it has an energy conversion efficiency of about 10% at a lower cost than a silicon solar cell. Yes.

  An example of such a solar cell includes a first substrate on which a conductive film is formed or itself has a conductivity, a transparent second substrate, and a semiconductor layer that has adsorbed a dye, as disclosed in Patent Document 1. It can present as a solar cell module provided with. Thus, by connecting a plurality of unit cells in series or in parallel to form a module, the output of the dye-sensitized solar cell can be increased.

Nevertheless, in order to connect the unit cells, after the individual solar cells are manufactured, an additional step of connecting or connecting the cells with a conductive wire is required. By including such a connection process or a connection process, the entire module manufacturing process becomes very complicated, and it becomes practically impossible to perform a continuous process, resulting in a decrease in productivity.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 13-185244

  An object of the present invention is to provide a dye-sensitized solar cell module that is easy to connect solar cell unit cell blocks in series or in parallel and that has relatively high energy conversion efficiency per unit area.

  One embodiment of the present invention is introduced between two transparent first substrates aligned and introduced opposite to each other and between the first substrates so as to intersect the first substrate, and is introduced into the first substrate. A transparent second substrate having a convex portion that protrudes relative to the convex portion and is recessed relatively on the opposite side corresponding to the convex portion, whereby the first substrate portion protrudes relatively to form a concave portion; A sealed portion introduced by providing a space between the first substrate and the second substrate, and introduced on the surface of the first substrate or the second substrate facing the inside of the sealed portion, respectively. Both transparent electrodes, transparent both dye-sensitive films introduced to face both of the electrodes, an electrolyte introduced between the dye-sensitive film and the electrodes, the substrate and the dye-sensitive film, And between the substrate and the electrode, A transparent conductive film extending outside the unit, and presenting a unit form of a plurality of solar cell unit cell blocks, wherein the plurality of solar cell unit cell blocks are recessed portions of any one cell block The dye-sensitized solar cell module is provided in which the protrusions of the other cell block are inserted into and electrically connected to each other.

  Here, the first substrate and the second substrate are formed in a square plate shape having an equal size, and only one side of the second substrate is introduced so as to protrude relative to the convex portion.

  Or the said 1st board | substrate and the said 2nd board | substrate comprise the square board shape of an equal magnitude | size, and two adjacent sides of the said 2nd board | substrate are protruded relatively so that the said convex part may be made and introduced.

  The first conductive film which is one of the conductive films extends on the second substrate portion forming the convex part, and the second conductive film which is the other one is the above The first conductive film of the first cell block that extends on the first substrate portion that forms a recess and is one of the solar cell blocks is the second cell that is the other one. It is electrically connected to the second conductive film of the block.

  According to the present invention, unit cell blocks are assembled and fastened to each other in a LEGO block shape, and series or parallel connection of cell blocks for a solar cell module can be easily and conveniently performed. In addition, it is possible to provide a transparent dye-sensitized solar cell module in which the energy conversion efficiency per unit area is about twice as high as that of a single cell.

  Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments of the present invention can be modified into various other forms, and the scope of the present invention should not be construed to be limited by the embodiments described later. The embodiments of the present invention should preferably be construed as provided to those skilled in the art to more fully describe the present invention.

  Embodiment of this invention presents the technique which forms so that a side part may have a recessed part and a convex part which opposes it so that the unit block of a photovoltaic cell may mutually be connected or fastened to a Lego block type | mold. . The convex part of any one solar cell unit cell block is inserted into the concave part of the other solar cell unit cell block, and such an insertion fastening part is guided so as to be electrically connected. Thereby, the module can be formed by simply fastening the solar battery cell block through the process of simply inserting and fastening the concave portion and the convex portion.

  1A and 1B are cross-sectional views schematically illustrating an example of a dye-sensitized solar cell block according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, a unit cell block for constituting a dye-sensitized solar cell module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes two transparent substrates that are aligned and introduced to face each other with a second substrate 110 interposed therebetween. Two first substrates 130, a transparent second substrate 110, a sealing part 600 introduced by providing a space between the first substrate 130 and the second substrate 110, both transparent electrodes 500, Both transparent dye-sensitive films 300 introduced facing the electrodes 500, the electrolyte 400 introduced between the dye-sensitive film 300 and the electrodes 500, the substrates 130, 110 and the dye-sensitive film 300, and In addition, transparent conductive films 210 and 230 that are introduced between the substrates 130 and 110 and the electrode 500 and extend outside the sealed portion 600 are configured.

  Here, the transparent electrode 500 is formed on the first conductive film 210 on the second substrate 110 as shown in FIG. 1A, or on the first substrate 130 as shown in FIG. 1B. It can be formed on the second conductive film 230.

  The second substrate 110 is introduced between the first substrates 130, but is introduced across the first substrate 130 as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Thereby, a convex portion 810 that protrudes relative to the first substrate 130 is formed. In addition, on the opposite side corresponding to the convex portion 810, the second substrate 110 is relatively depressed, and the first substrate 130 portion relatively protrudes to form a concave portion 850.

  Thus, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, one unit cell block has a shape in which the convex portion 810 and the concave portion 850 correspond to each other. Such a unit cell block has a shape in which a plurality of protrusions 810 are fitted into the recesses 850 so that a plurality of the unit cell blocks are assembled as if the LEGO blocks are assembled.

  Here, the first latch protrusion 811 is introduced into the convex portion 810, and the corresponding second latch protrusion 851 is introduced into the concave portion 850, and the cell block is simplified by the first latch protrusion 811 and the second latch protrusion 851. To be concluded. The first latch protrusion 811 and the second latch protrusion 851 are formed of a metal conductive material and are used as means for fastening the cell block.

The sealing portion 600 is introduced between the substrates 130 and 110 and serves to adhere the substrates 110 and 130, and serves to suppress the outflow of the solution electrolyte 400 introduced into the inside. Such a sealing portion 600 can be formed of a thermoplastic polymer material such as Surlyn (DuPont product number 1702). The electrolyte 400 was obtained by dissolving an iodine-based oxidation-reduction liquid electrolyte, such as 0.8 M 1,2-dimethyl-3-octyl-imidazolium iodide and 40 mM I ₂ (iodine) in 3-methoxypropionitrile. It can be an electrolyte solution of I ³⁻ / I ⁻ .

Here, the first substrate 130 and / or the second substrate 110 can be formed of transparent glass or plastic. The conductive films 210 and 230 introduced onto the substrates 110 and 130 can be formed of ITO (indium tin oxide), FTO (Fluorine-doped Tin Oxide: SnO ₂ ), or the like. The plastic or polymer used as the substrate is a transparent high polymer such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET, also called poly (ethylene terephthalate)), polycarbonate (polycarbonate), polyimide, polyethylene naphthalate or polyethersulfone (PES). A transparent conductive material such as ITO or fluorine (F) doped tin dioxide (FTO) can be applied on a molecular or plastic substrate to form the substrate.

The electrode 500 is formed on the first conductive film 210 or the second conductive film 230. For example, the electrode 500 includes a platinum (Pt) layer. For example, the transparent platinum layer is coated with platinum ions after dispersing a 5 mM hexachloroplatinic acid (H ₂ PtCl ₆ .xH ₂ O) aqueous solution on the transparent substrate of the above-mentioned types and drying the coating. The formed substrate can be formed by a 60 mM sodium borohydride (NaBH ₄ ) aqueous solution treatment to reduce platinum ions to platinum, wash with distilled water, and then dry. Or, the substrate be a glass, it is possible to form a transparent platinum layer is heated in an electric furnace at about 450 ° C. by dispersing 5mM hexachloroplatinic acid _{(H 2 PtCl 6 · xH 2} O) aqueous solution.

The dye-sensitive film 300 introduced to face the platinum layer electrode 500 is a thin film containing nanoparticle oxide having a size of 10 to 20 nm, and is manufactured as a transparent film in order to use the nanoparticle oxide. Is done. Such a nanoparticle oxide layer is a nanoparticle oxide layer of titanium dioxide (TiO ₂ ), tin dioxide (SnO ₂ ) or zinc oxide (ZnO) having a thickness of about 5 to 15 μm. For example, a dye molecule made of a Ru complex is chemically adsorbed on the layer to form the dye-sensitive film 300.

On the other hand, the operation of the dye-sensitized solar cell according to the present invention is such that light transmitted through the substrate reaches the dye molecules adsorbed on the nanoparticle oxide through the platinum layer of the electrode layer, and the dye molecules absorb sunlight. To do. The dye molecules that have absorbed light undergo an electron transition from the ground state to the excited state to form an electron-hole pair, and the excited state electrons are injected into the conduction band of the nanoparticle oxide. The electrons injected into the nanoparticle oxide move to the electrode layer in contact with the nanoparticle oxide through the interparticle interface. The dye molecules oxidized as a result of the electron transfer receive the electrons provided by the oxidation of iodine ions in the electrolyte (3 ^I− → I ³ + 2e ⁻ ) and are re-reduced to produce oxidized iodine ions (I ^{3 -} ) Is reduced again by the electrons reaching the electrode, and the operation process of the dye-sensitized solar cell is completed.

  Here, the solar cell block as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B eventually forms two lower solar cells on both surfaces of the central second substrate 110. Accordingly, when the visible light 700 is incident on both sides of the second substrate 110, an electric current can be generated for any of the visible light 700 incident in two directions. Therefore, the energy conversion efficiency per unit area can be increased to about twice.

  2A and 2B are perspective views schematically illustrating an example of a dye-sensitized solar cell block according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 2A, in the solar cell unit cell block according to the embodiment of the present invention, the first substrate 130 and the second substrate 110 are formed to have a square plate shape having the same size. Only one side is introduced so as to protrude relatively so as to form a convex portion 810. Therefore, the concave portion 850 is formed on the opposite side of the convex portion 810. Since such a solar cell unit cell block is assembled in a form in which the convex portion 810 is sandwiched between the concave portions 850, the cell blocks are continuously connected in one direction in a chain to form a module.

  Referring to FIG. 2B, in the solar cell unit cell block according to the embodiment of the present invention, the first substrate 130 and the second substrate 110 are formed to have a square plate shape having the same size. Two adjacent sides are introduced so as to protrude relatively so as to form a convex portion 810 ′. Accordingly, the concave portion 850 ′ is formed on two adjacent sides opposite to the convex portion 810 ′. In such a solar cell unit cell block, the convex portion 810 ′ can be fitted in the concave portion 850 ′ in two directions. Accordingly, the cell blocks are continuously connected in a two-dimensional manner to the tile shape to form a module.

  3A and 3B are cross-sectional views schematically illustrating an example of a module of a dye-sensitized solar cell block according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 3A, the unit cell blocks according to the embodiment of the present invention in the form as presented in FIG. 1A are continuously fastened and assembled as shown in FIG. 3A. To form one module. A concave portion 850 of another one second cell block 1320 is inserted into the convex portion 810 of any one first cell block 1310 and is mutually fastened in a form of being electrically connected to each other. A solar cell module is formed.

  Here, the cell blocks 1310 and 1320 are fastened to each other by the mutual latching action of the first and second latch protrusions 811 and 851. In addition, the first conductive film 210 of the first cell block 1310 is electrically connected to the second conductive film 230 of the second cell block 1320 through the first and second latch protrusions 811 and 851. Such an electrical connection form includes a form in which the cell blocks are connected in series with each other in (+) and (-) polarity, and is also connected in parallel.

  Referring to FIG. 3B, similarly, the unit cell blocks according to the embodiment of the present invention in the form as presented in FIG. 1B are continuously fastened as shown in FIG. 3B. One module is formed by being assembled.

  It is also possible to consider a module in which the second cell block as presented in FIG. 1B is sequentially assembled into the first cell block as presented in FIG. 1A.

  4A and 4B are plan views schematically illustrating each example of the dye-sensitized solar cell module according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 4A, the unit cell block according to the embodiment of the present invention in a chain shape as shown in FIG. 2A is assembled by continuously fastening the same type as shown in FIG. 4A. Thus, a module assembled and fastened in one chain is formed. In any one of the second cell blocks 1420, the first cell blocks 1410 are assembled on one side, and the cell blocks can be continuously assembled in a chain shape.

  Referring to FIG. 4B, the unit cell blocks according to the embodiment of the present invention in a tile shape as presented in FIG. 2B are assembled by continuously fastening the same type as shown in FIG. 4B. Thus, a module assembled and fastened into one tile is formed. Any one of the second cell blocks 1440 is assembled on one of the two sides of the second cell block 1430, and the cell blocks are continuously assembled two-dimensionally to form a tile-shaped module. obtain.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail through specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited to this, and modifications and improvements can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention.

  The present invention described above can be used in the technical field related to solar cell modules.

It is sectional drawing shown schematically in order to demonstrate an example of the dye-sensitized solar cell block which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing shown schematically in order to demonstrate an example of the dye-sensitized solar cell block which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating one example of a dye-sensitized solar cell block according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating one example of a dye-sensitized solar cell block according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing shown schematically in order to demonstrate an example of the module of the dye-sensitized photovoltaic cell block which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing shown schematically in order to demonstrate an example of the module of the dye-sensitized photovoltaic cell block which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 1 is a plan view schematically illustrating an example of a dye-sensitized solar cell module according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a plan view schematically illustrating an example of a dye-sensitized solar cell module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

110 Second substrate 130 First substrate 210, 230 Conductive film 300 Dye-sensitive film 400 Electrolyte 500 Electrode 600 Sealed portion 810 Convex portion 811 First latch projection 850 Concavity 851 Second latch projection 1310 First cell block 1320 Second cell block

Claims (4)

Two transparent first substrates aligned and introduced to face each other;
A convex portion is introduced between the first substrates so as to intersect the first substrate and protrudes relatively to the first substrate, and is relatively depressed on the opposite side corresponding to the convex portions. A transparent second substrate in which the first substrate portion protrudes relatively to form a recess;
A sealing part introduced by providing a space between the first substrate and the second substrate;
Transparent both electrodes introduced on the surface of the first substrate or the second substrate facing the inside of the sealed part,
Transparent both dye-sensitive films introduced to face both electrodes,
An electrolyte introduced between the dye-sensitive film and the electrode;
A transparent conductive film introduced between the substrate and the dye-sensitive film and between the substrate and the electrode and extending outside the sealed portion;
A plurality of solar cell blocks having
A dye-sensitized solar cell module, wherein a convex portion of another cell block is inserted into a concave portion of any one cell block and is mutually fastened in a form of being electrically connected to each other. The first substrate and the second substrate have a square plate shape of equal size,
2. The dye-sensitized solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein only one side of the second substrate is relatively protruded so as to form the convex portion. The first substrate and the second substrate have a square plate shape of equal size,
2. The dye-sensitized solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein two adjacent sides of the second substrate are introduced so as to project relatively so as to form the convex portion. The first conductive film which is one of the conductive films extends on the second substrate portion forming the convex portion, and the second conductive film which is the other one is the Extending on the first substrate portion forming a recess,
The first conductive film of the first cell block that is one of the solar battery cell blocks is electrically connected to the second conductive film of the second cell block that is the other one. The dye-sensitized solar cell module according to claim 1.

Images