Flexible Photovoltaic cells, systems and methods

• US 20050268962A1
• Filed: 06/03/2005
• Published: 12/08/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 04/27/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Merck Patent GmbH (Merck & Co., Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Merck Patent GmbH (Merck & Co., Inc.)
• Inventors: Gaudiana, Russell, McGahn, Daniel Patrick
• Application Number:
  US11/145,128
• Publication Number:
  US 20050268962A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 136/255
• CPC Class Codes: H01G 9/2095 comprising a flexible sustrate
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/00 Indexing scheme for arrangements or methods for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies as covered by H01L24/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/0002 Not covered by any one of groups H01L24/00, H01L24/00 and H01L2224/00
• CPC Class Codes: H02S 30/20 Collapsible or foldable PV modules
• CPC Class Codes: H10K 39/10 Organic photovoltaic [PV] modules; Arrays of single organic PV cells
• CPC Class Codes: H10K 39/601 Assemblies of multiple devices comprising at least one organic radiation-sensitive element
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/50 Photovoltaic [PV] energy

Abstract

Photovoltaic cells, facilities, systems and methods, as well as related compositions, are disclosed. Embodiments involve providing a first photovoltaic cell; providing a second photovoltaic cell; and electrically and mechanically associating the first and second photovoltaic cells; wherein the association provides a mechanically flexible photovoltaic facility, forming a flexible photovoltaic facility.

Claims

1. A method, comprising:

providing a first photovoltaic cell;

providing a second photovoltaic cell; and

electrically and mechanically associating the first and second photovoltaic cells;

wherein the association provides a mechanically flexible photovoltaic facility, forming a flexible photovoltaic facility.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the flexible photovoltaic facility is foldable.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the flexible photovoltaic facility is bendable.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the flexible photovoltaic facility is adapted to be mounted on a flexible surface.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the flexible photovoltaic facility is folded and provided in a kit.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the flexible photovoltaic facility is directly deployable from the kit.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein the deployment involves fully expanding the cells.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein at least one of the photovoltaic cells is a flexible cell.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein the first photovoltaic cell includes a semiconductor material in the form of nanoparticles.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein the first photovoltaic cell includes an electrically conductive layer.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the electrically conductive layer is transparent.

15. The method of claim 13 wherein the electrically conductive layer is semi-transparent.

18. The method of claim 13 wherein the electrically conductive material contains a discontinuity.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the electrically conductive material forms a mesh.

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34. A system, comprising:

a first photovoltaic cell;

a second photovoltaic cell; and

electrically and mechanically associating the first and second photovoltaic cells;

wherein the association provides a mechanically flexible photovoltaic facility, forming a flexible photovoltaic facility.

35. The system of claim 34 wherein the flexible photovoltaic facility is foldable.

36. The system of claim 34 wherein the flexible photovoltaic facility is bendable.

37. The system of claim 34 wherein the flexible photovoltaic facility is adapted to be mounted on a flexible surface.

38. The system of claim 34 wherein the flexible photovoltaic facility is folded and provided in a kit.

39. The system of claim 38 wherein the flexible photovoltaic facility is directly deployable from the kit.

40. The system of claim 39 wherein the deployment involves fully expanding the cells.

41. The system of claim 34 wherein at least one of the photovoltaic cells is a flexible cell.

42. The system of claim 34 wherein the first photovoltaic cell comprises a dye-sensitized solar cell.

45. The system of claim 34 wherein the first photovoltaic cell includes a semiconductor material in the form of nanoparticles.

46. The system of claim 34 wherein the first photovoltaic cell includes an electrically conductive layer.

47. The system of claim 46 wherein the electrically conductive layer is transparent.

48. The system of claim 46 wherein the electrically conductive layer is semi-transparent.

51. The system of claim 46 wherein the electrically conductive material contains a discontinuity.

52. The system of claim 51 wherein the electrically conductive material forms a mesh.

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