Scribing Isolation: Panel Design for Thin Film Photovoltaics
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a novel method of producing thin film photovoltaic panels that allows for easy detection and repair of shorts. This method involves altering the layer formation, dividing existing cells into subcells, and scribing a plurality of curves onto the layer. When a short is detected, another curve can be easily scribed onto the layer in order to separate the shorted cell from the adjacent cells, and therefore, confining the short to that one cell. This method limits the area where power loss and localized heating occur without significantly reducing the area available to generate power. Furthermore, this method provides such features with a small, fixed additional time at manufacturing or on site and utilizes readily available equipment.
Easy detection and repair of shortsUses existing equipment Streamlines manufacturing processDoes not significantly reduce panel area or efficiency
Solar industrySolar panel manufacturers
Muhammad AlamPurdue Electrical and Computer EngineeringAlam CEED (Classical & Emerging Electronic Devices) Group
United States
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