PHOTOVOLTAIC CELL WITH BUFFER ZONE
First Claim
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1. A photovoltaic cell comprising:
- a vertical multi junction (VMJ) photovoltaic cell that includes a plurality of integrally bonded cell units, each cell unit with a plurality of layers that form a PN junction(s); and
a buffer zone that safeguards the plurality of layers from at least one of a stress and strain induced on the VMJ photovoltaic cell.
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Abstract
Systems and methods that provide a barrier for protection of active layers associated with a vertical multi junction (VMJ) photovoltaic cell. Buffer zone(s) in form of an inactive layer(s) arrangement safe guard the active layers against induced stress or strain resulting from external forces/thermal factors (e.g., welding). The buffer zone can be in form of a rim on a surface of an end layer of a cell unit, to act as a protective boundary for such active layer, and to further partially frame the VMJ cell for ease of handling and transportation.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A photovoltaic cell comprising:
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a vertical multi junction (VMJ) photovoltaic cell that includes a plurality of integrally bonded cell units, each cell unit with a plurality of layers that form a PN junction(s); and a buffer zone that safeguards the plurality of layers from at least one of a stress and strain induced on the VMJ photovoltaic cell. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of protecting active layers in a VMJ cell comprising:
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integrally bonding a plurality of active layers to form the VMJ cell; and protecting the active layers from at least one of a stress, shear, moment and torsion induced on the VMJ cell—
via a buffer zone. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A photovoltaic cell comprising:
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means for forming a PN junction in a vertical multi junction (VMJ) photovoltaic cell; and means for safeguarding the plurality of active layers from induced stress or strain on the VMJ photovoltaic cell.
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Specification