Light trapping photovoltaic cells
AssigneeMomentive Performance Materials Inc.
InventorWen P. Liao
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A light trapping photovoltaic cell comprising a plurality of cells connected with walls wherein the cells have a plurality of generally straight vertical walls and a bottom region adjacent the generally vertical walls. The bottom region of the cells is pitched toward the center of the bottoms. The light trapping cells provide a structure that allows for improved absorption of incident light. Optionally, a light trapping photovoltaic cell may further comprise a hydrophobic protective layer such as, for example, may be provided by a plurality of nano-sized bumps on the surfaces of the cell walls. Additionally, the cells may exhibit other properties including, for example, deicing, anti-fouling, and self-cleaning.
Claims25
A light trapping photovoltaic cell comprising a cellular structure, having a plurality of interconnected cells, the cells having a top and a bottom and being defined by a plurality of generally vertical walls and a bottom region adjacent the generally vertical walls, wherein the bottom region of the cells is pitched toward the center of the bottom.
A light trapping photovoltaic cell comprising:
- a substrate comprising a plurality of interconnected cells in the individual cells of the interconnected cells being defined by a plurality of generally vertical walls and a bottom region adjacent the generally vertical walls, the bottom region being pitched toward the center of a bottom of the cells;
- a reflector layer disposed about the wall, of the cells;
- a back side electrode disposed about reflector layer;
- a photoelectric active layer disposed about the backside electrode;
- and
- a front side electrode disposed about the active layer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.