Photovoltaic cell arrays
OwnerAlan John Montello, Christopher Graham Anderson +4inventors
InventorsAlan John Montello, Christopher Graham Anderson, Kevin Daniel Tabor, Marcus Yalland, Martin Bellamy, Anthony David Jones
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Abstract
A method of manufacturing a photovoltaic cell array of the type comprising a primary electrode array and a counter-electrode array together defining a series-connected sequence of cells, each containing electrolyte which is insulated from direct electrical contact with the electrolyte of neighbouring cells, the method comprising: (a) depositing electrolyte into the cells; and (b) sensing the level of electrolyte deposited.
Claims47
A method of forming a dye sensitized solar cell, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) applying an electrolyte mixture to a first electrode web in at least two doses;
- (b) heating the electrolyte mixture to increase diffusion of the electrolyte mixture relative to the electrode web;
- and
- (c) joining the first electrode web with a second electrode web to form a plurality of dye sensitized solar cells.
A method of preparing a primary electrode array for use in a dye sensitized photovoltaic array, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) forming a component of the dye sensitized photovoltaic array by coating and drying a coating on a conductive substrate;
- (b) heating the coating to sinter the titanium dioxide particles and to form an insulating layer of titanium oxides on the surface of the electrical conductor;
- and
- (c) applying laser radiation to a first region of the surface of the electrical conductor, thereby to remove any coating formed thereon in step (b).
9-11. (canceled)
The apparatus of claim 108, wherein the electrical conductor is in the form of a web.
The apparatus of claim 108, wherein the electrical conductor comprises titanium or alternative conductors.
The apparatus of claim 108, wherein the coating comprises titanium dioxide.
A method of manufacturing a dye sensitized photovoltaic cell array of the type comprising a primary electrode array and a counter-electrode array together defining a series-connected sequence of cells, each containing electrolyte which is insulated from direct electrical contact with the electrolyte of neighboring cells, the method comprising:
- (a) depositing electrolyte into the cells;
- and
- (b) sensing the level of electrolyte deposited.
(canceled)
29-47. (canceled)
50-76. (canceled)
A method of establishing an external electrical connection to a dye sensitized photovoltaic cell array which comprises an alternating sequence of primary electrodes and counter-electrodes connected in series, the method comprising:
- (a) forming a first aperture which extends through the first primary electrode within the sequence;
- and
- (b) attaching a first electrical connector to the said first primary electrode such that it extends laterally on both sides of the first aperture and thereby engages the dye sensitized photovoltaic cell array.
A dye sensitized photovoltaic cell array comprising:
- (a) a plurality of dye sensitized photovoltaic cells and an alternating sequence of primary electrodes and counter-electrodes connected in series, the first primary electrode within the sequence being formed with a first aperture therethrough;
- and
- (b) a first electrical connector attached to the first primary electrode and extending laterally on both sides of the first aperture thereby engaging the plurality of dye sensitized photovoltaic cells.
Apparatus for manufacturing a flexible array of dye sensitized photovoltaic cells, the apparatus comprising:
- means for applying a paste to the surface of a conductive foil and means for drying the paste on the surface, to thereby form a pattern for a flexible array of dye sensitized photovoltaic cells.
(canceled)
(canceled)
91-107. (canceled)
A dye sensitized photovoltaic array comprising:
- a first region comprising one or more tracks along a surface of an electrical conductor;
- and
- a second region comprising regions adjacent the one or more tracks along the surface of the electrical conductor;
- wherein a coating is applied to only the second region.
A method for improving contact to integral electrical contacts on a conductive substrate and for improving adhesive properties of a portion of tracks which separate individual cells from each other in a dye sensitive photovoltaic array, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing integral electrical contacts having an insulating coating on a conductive substrate;
- providing tracks, having an insulating coating, which separate individual cells from each other in a dye sensitive photovoltaic array;
- and
- using a laser to remove the insulating coating from the integral electrical contacts and from a portion of the tracks.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.