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Ultraflexible Corrugated Monocrystalline Silicon Solar Cells with High Efficiency (19%), Improved Thermal
Nazek El-Atab1, Wedyan Babatain1, Rabab Bahabry2
1MMH Labs, Electrical Engineering, Computer Electrical Mathematical Science and Engineering Division , King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) , Thuwal 23955-6900 , Saudi Arabia.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|December 5, 2019
Summary
Researchers developed ultraflexible, lightweight, high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon solar cells using a corrugation method. This technique enhances mechanical resilience and thermal performance for diverse applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Renewable Energy Engineering
- Photovoltaics
Background:
- Flexible solar cells are gaining importance due to expanding application possibilities.
- Existing rigid solar cells face limitations in adaptability and robustness for certain uses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop ultraflexible, lightweight, and highly efficient monocrystalline silicon solar cells.
- To investigate the effectiveness of a corrugation method combined with laser patterning for enhancing solar cell flexibility and performance.
Main Methods:
- A corrugation technique involving patterned grooves in silicon was applied to rigid photovoltaic cells with interdigitated back contacts (IBCs).
- Various corrugation patterns (linear, honeycomb, octagonal) were explored to determine their impact on flexibility and aesthetics.
- Encapsulation with a transparent polymeric material was employed to ensure environmental robustness.
Main Results:
- Achieved ultraflexible, lightweight monocrystalline silicon solar cells with 19% efficiency.
- Demonstrated preserved efficiency after converting rigid cells to a flexible format.
- Observed improved thermal dissipation (14.6% lower temperature) and relieved thermal mismatch due to the finlike architecture.
- Showcased enhanced mechanical resilience and reliability under various environmental conditions.
Conclusions:
- The corrugation method effectively transforms rigid silicon solar cells into flexible, high-performance devices.
- This approach offers improved thermal management and mechanical robustness, broadening the scope of solar cell applications.
- The developed flexible solar cells exhibit excellent reliability and aesthetic potential.
