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 attached to an end layer of the VMJ photovoltaic cell and protrudes therefrom, wherein the buffer zone at least one of safe guards the VMJ photovoltaic cell from stress and strain, and further facilitates transportation of 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 attached to an end layer of the VMJ photovoltaic cell and protrudes therefrom, wherein the buffer zone at least one of safe guards the VMJ photovoltaic cell from stress and strain, and further facilitates transportation of 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 photovoltaic cell comprising:
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forming a VMJ photovoltaic cell, which includes integrally bonding a plurality of cell units, each cell unit with a plurality of layers that form a PN junction(s); and forming a buffer zone being attached to an end layer of the VMJ photovoltaic cell and protruding therefrom, wherein the buffer zone protects the VMJ photovoltaic cell from at least one of a stress, shear, moment and torsion induced on the VMJ photovoltaic cell, the buffer zone further facilitating transportation of the VMJ photovoltaic cell. - 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 buffering the VMJ photovoltaic cell against induced stress or strain, the means for buffering is attached to an end layer of the VMJ photovoltaic cell and protrudes therefrom, the means for buffering further facilitates transportation of the VMJ photovoltaic cell.
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Specification