BEIJING, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese researchers have proposed a strategy for mass production of foldable silicon wafers, according to a research article recently published in the journal Nature. for the production of flexible solar cells
Crystalline silicon wafers tend to crack at the edges between pyramid-like structures or sharp triangular spires. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the flexibility of silicon wafers by reducing the pointed structure.
Researchers from the Shanghai Institute of Microsystems and Information Technology Affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences The edging technique facilitates large-scale commercial manufacturing processes for high-efficiency silicon solar cells. which can be folded like a sheet of paper
The cells maintain 100 percent energy conversion efficiency after 1,000 side-to-side bending cycles. These cells retain more than 99% of their energy after a 120-hour thermal cycle of -70°C to 85°C.
In addition, the cells retained 96 percent of their energy after 20 minutes of exposure to airflow when attached to an inflated gas bag. which simulates the pattern of wind blowing during a severe storm
Large-scale flexible solar modules developed by this research team be applied to near-space vehicles Including solar cells already installed on buildings and vehicles. – Xinhua News Agency
Source: Thai News Agency