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US 7,777,128 B2Granted
Photovoltaic module architecture
AssigneeKonarka Technologies, Inc.
InventorsAlan Montello, Kevin Oliver, Kethinni G. Chittibabu
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Modules are disclosed. The modules can include a first photovoltaic cell including an electrode; and a second photovoltaic cell including an electrode having a bent end connected to the electrode of the first photovoltaic cell.
Claims45
A module, comprising:
- a first photovoltaic cell including an electrode;
- a second photovoltaic cell including an electrode having a bent end electrically connected to the electrode of the first photovoltaic cell;
- a first polymeric substrate in direct contact with the electrode of the first photovoltaic cell;
- a second polymeric substrate in direct contact with the electrode of the second photovoltaic cell;
- and
- an adhesive in contact with the electrode of the first photovoltaic cell and the electrode of the second photovoltaic cell,
- wherein:
- the bent end of the electrode of the second photovoltaic cell has a first side, a second side and a third side;
- the third side of the bent end of the electrode of the second photovoltaic cell is between the first and second sides of the bent end of the electrode of the second photovoltaic cell, and the third side of the bent end of the electrode of the second photovoltaic cell is in direct contact with the first and second sides of the bent end of the electrode of the second photovoltaic cell;
- the second side of the bent end of the electrode of the second photovoltaic cell is opposite the first side of the bent end of the electrode of the second photovoltaic cell;
- the bent end of the electrode of the second photovoltaic cell extends through the adhesive so that adhesive is in direct contact with both the first and second sides of the bent end of the electrode of the second photovoltaic cell;
- the third side of the bent end of the electrode of the second photovoltaic cell is in direct contact with the electrode of the first photovoltaic cell;
- and
- either:
- a) the electrode of the first photovoltaic cell is a cathode and the electrode of the second photovoltaic cell is an anode;
- or b) the electrode of the first photovoltaic cell is an anode and the electrode of the second photovoltaic cell is a cathode.
13 more elements
A module, comprising:
- a first photovoltaic cell including an electrode;
- a second photovoltaic cell including an electrode having a shaped portion electrically connected to the electrode of the first photovoltaic cell;
- a first polymeric substrate in direct contact with the electrode of the first photovoltaic cell;
- a second polymeric substrate in direct contact with the electrode of the second photovoltaic cell;
- and
- an adhesive between the electrode of the first photovoltaic cell and the electrode of the second photovoltaic cell,
- wherein:
- the shaped portion of the electrode of the second photovoltaic cell has a first side, a second side and a third side;
- the third side of the shaped portion of the electrode of the second photovoltaic cell is between the first and second sides of the shaped portion of the electrode of the second photovoltaic cell, and the third side of the shaped end of the electrode of the second photovoltaic cell is in direct contact with the first and second sides of the shaped end of the electrode of the second photovoltaic cell;
- the second side of the shaped portion of the electrode of the second photovoltaic cell is opposite the first side of the shaped portion of the electrode of the second photovoltaic cell;
- the shaped portion of the electrode of the second photovoltaic cell extends through the adhesive so that the adhesive is in direct contact with both the first and second sides of the shaped portion of the electrode of the second photovoltaic cell;
- and
- the third side of the shaped portion of the electrode of the second photovoltaic cell is in direct contact with the electrode of the first photovoltaic cell;
- and
- either:
- a) the electrode of the first photovoltaic cell is a cathode and the electrode of the second photovoltaic cell is an anode;
- or b) the electrode of the first photovoltaic cell is an anode and the electrode of the second photovoltaic cell is a cathode.
14 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.