AIST Develops Automated Manufacturing Equipment for Perovskite Solar Panels
The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) in Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture, has developed the world's first automated manufacturing equipment for next-generation perovskite solar cell panels. This innovative system promises to significantly improve the production process and enhance the quality of these promising solar cells.
Traditionally, perovskite solar panels, also known as "flexible solar cells," have been manufactured manually. This laborious process has limited production capacity and resulted in inconsistent quality. Perovskite cells offer several advantages over conventional silicon solar cells, including their lightweight and thin design, making them suitable for installation on rooftops, curved walls, and other unconventional locations. Additionally, they can generate power even in cloudy conditions, making them a potential game-changer in the fight against global warming.
However, perovskite cells also face challenges, particularly in terms of durability compared to silicon cells. Furthermore, the quality of perovskite products varies depending on factors like component ratios and processing temperatures. Determining the optimal combinations for high power generation efficiency and durability has been a time-consuming and laborious process due to the reliance on manual production.
To address these issues, AIST researchers have developed a comprehensive system that automates the entire manufacturing process of perovskite solar cells. This system includes multiple devices that perform various tasks, such as cleaning the glass surface of the substrate, applying liquid raw materials, and flattening crystals. The automation significantly increases production capacity, enabling the manufacture of over ten times the number of panels compared to manual methods.
Moreover, the automated system ensures greater consistency in quality, reducing variability by approximately 35%. This improvement in quality control is crucial for ensuring the reliability and performance of perovskite solar cells.
"We hope to help shorten the development period by using our equipment to efficiently make products with high precision and offering them for tests," said Takuro Murakami, head of the AIST's Organic-Inorganic Hybrid PV Team.
The development of this automated manufacturing equipment represents a significant step forward in the advancement of perovskite solar cell technology. By streamlining the production process and enhancing quality control, AIST's innovation paves the way for wider adoption of these promising solar cells, potentially contributing to a more sustainable future.