Homogeneous transparent coated greenhouse power generation device and internal and external electrical interconnections

Abstract

The greenhouse power generation system includes a homogeneous transparent power generation glass or plastic device (TEGD) and an electrical junction box electronic transmission device (E-JBTD). The homogeneous transparent power generation glass or plastic device (TEGD) provides a uniform light supply, while the electrical module junction box transmission device (E-JBTD) is a watertight and weathertight connection for safe and reliable power supply. The electrical module junction box transmission device (E-JBTD) maintains a safe electrical connection with the module or the homogeneous transparent power generation glass or plastic device (TEGD), and cannot be removed and reinstalled onto another module or homogeneous transparent power generation glass or plastic device (E-JBTD) after installation.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 854,276, filed on May 29, 2019 (Attorney Docket No. 7006 / 0189PR01) and U.S. Application No. 16 / 660,388, filed on October 22, 2019 (Attorney Docket No. 7006 / 0190PUS01) under 35 U.S.C. 119(e). The entire contents of the above - mentioned U.S. applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Technical field

[0003] The present invention relates to a system for collecting electrical energy generated by a homogeneous transparent power - generating glass or plastic device (TEGD) in a greenhouse environment. More particularly, it relates to a greenhouse system including a homogeneous transparent power - generating glass or plastic device (TEGD) and an associated internal electrical module junction box transmission device (E - JBTD). More particularly, it relates to a greenhouse including a system having a homogeneous transparent power - generating glass or plastic device (TEGD) and an associated internal electrical module junction box transmission device (E - JBTD). Background art

[0004] Modern commercial greenhouses (also known as glasshouses or hothouses) are becoming increasingly technologically advanced buildings that ideally can operate in a more and more efficient manner. Modern greenhouses require energy efficiency and reduced energy consumption to produce the desired products. A typical greenhouse is a structure having walls and a roof made mainly of transparent materials such as glass or plastic, in which plants that require regulated climate conditions are grown. The sizes of these greenhouse structures range from small sheds to industrial - scale buildings that occupy a large amount of space.

[0005] Typical greenhouses using conventional single - crystal silicon or poly - crystal silicon, thin - films, etc. may include solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. The solar photovoltaic (PV) modules are installed on the ground or placed on a racking system directly mounted to the frame, which can block the natural light required for the optimal growth of plants or vegetables. Currently, conventional non - transparent black - body power - generating PV modules, although capable of generating electricity, may not allow enough light to enter the greenhouse to enable both power generation and plant growth simultaneously. Typical PV modules are not designed to let the light required for plant growth pass through the module, but are designed to block almost all light, thus allowing only power generation. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention recognizes that there is a desire for greenhouses to allow as much visible light as possible to pass completely through a power generation device, e.g., a power generation device that replaces typical greenhouse glass or plastic materials, such that the power generation device appears transparent or mostly transparent with only a medium visible tint. The present invention further recognizes that transparent or semi-transparent organic photovoltaic devices can be used harmlessly in combination with greenhouse glass or plastic windows to avoid installing a conventional photovoltaic greenhouse frame-mounted array system that blocks light.

[0007] For the foregoing reasons and other reasons described hereinafter, it will become apparent to those skilled in the art, upon reading and understanding the specification, that there is a need in the art for transparent organic photovoltaic greenhouse structures and devices.

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for transparent organic photovoltaic devices and will be understood by reading and studying the following specification.

[0009] The present invention also recognizes that discrete contact points or connection points in conventional electrical wiring connection systems pose challenges to the installation of homogeneous transparent power generation glass or plastic devices (TEGDs) with restricted or constrained access to space or location. The present invention also recognizes that current greenhouse frame systems pose challenges in securely fastening a transparent power generation glass or plastic device (TEGD) to a typical greenhouse structure while allowing for an easy and undamaged wiring configuration.

[0010] In conventional techniques, the installation associated with the use of homogeneous transparent power generation glass or plastic devices (TEGDs) and conventional electrical J-Box devices can be impaired or inhibited by difficult (if not impossible) installations due to space, fixture, building, and installation constraints that do not allow proper or secure module installation or electrical connection.

[0011] For example, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, current state-of-the-art renewable products and devices are not configured to allow, and even cannot allow, the required light to pass through the module into the greenhouse to allow plant growth while simultaneously providing sufficient power generation through the same device. For example, as shown in FIG. 1C, conventional or transparent photovoltaic (PV) devices, double-sided channel-coated modules, and amorphous silica type PV modules have uncoated glass or plastic lines with visual and light-twisting lines and semi-transparent wide-coated lines that may interfere with, impede, or limit light transmission through the coating into the greenhouse interior, thereby hindering light transmission into the greenhouse and onto the plants inside the greenhouse, which can have a harmful negative impact on the growth of such plants.

[0012] In addition, as shown in FIG. 1B, current technologies of non-transparent c-Si (blackbody) photovoltaic (PV) modules only allow a small portion of the light to pass through the module between the blackbody semiconductors, which results in plants receiving very limited and insufficient light for proper or desired plant growth.

[0013] In addition, in conventional PV interconnection systems and arrangements, the associated electrical J-Box is mounted to the back of the module attached to the back of the drilled glass or plastic and is oriented such that the system or parts thereof project unwanted shadows on the surface in the greenhouse. Conventional systems and arrangements may also be affected by improper wire management, resulting in flawed aesthetics and defects and further affecting light transmission, shadowing, etc.

[0014] The present invention recognizes that there is a need in the industry to replace passive uncoated glass or plastic systems and conventional PV power generation devices and associated J-box electrical connections with improved homogeneous transparent power generation devices (TEGDs) and associated and simplified internal and external connection systems for collecting electrical energy generated by homogeneous transparent power generation glass or plastic devices (TEGDs) in a greenhouse environment.

[0015] To address these and other related installation, light transmittance, and electrical connection issues, the present invention provides a system including a novel homogeneous transparent power generation device and an associated internal electrical module junction box transmission device (E-JBTD), which reduces costs, increases the required light, improves efficiency, safety, and electrical connectivity, and improves and simplifies the installation process, thus providing significant advantages for the power generation of homogeneous transparent power generation glass or plastic devices (TEGDs) required for modern high-efficiency greenhouses.

[0016] The present invention also provides a novel homogeneous and uniformly applied organic photovoltaic (OPV) coating that enables uniform light transmittance even over the entire extent of a complete, edge-to-edge surface of glass or plastic, thereby achieving uniform light transmittance. The OPV coating allows uniform light to enter through the entire module at various colors and visible light transmittance (VLT) levels. The ability to modify color and VLT enables the greenhouse to be specifically designed in the most efficient manner according to the product being grown. The present invention also provides an internal electrical module junction box transfer device (E-JBTD) that allows a homogeneous transparent electricity-generating glass or plastic device (TEGD) to maintain the connection tightness, structural integrity, functionality, and use, etc. of modules, laminated veneers, and all other glass or plastic manufactured products and devices, to operate in the manner designed and manufactured, while allowing effective electrical transmission from the electricity-generating surface or coating of the transparent electricity-generating glass or plastic device (TEGD) to the internal and external components of the electrical module junction box transfer device (E-JBTD). Exemplary embodiments of the present invention allow for maximum light transmittance and effective electrical transmission using a homogeneous transparent electricity-generating glass or plastic device (TEGD), while maintaining all performance characteristics regarding light transmission, electricity generation, and power generation, as well as desired plant growth.

[0017] The present invention also recognizes that the combination of an exemplary homogeneous coated transparent electricity-generating glass or plastic device (TEGD) and an electrical module junction box transfer device (E-JBTD) will achieve productive, efficient, and effective electrical transmission from the device for greenhouse environments. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrical module junction box transfer device (E-JBTD) can be configured as an integral part of any electricity-generating glass or plastic (EGP) or homogeneous transparent electricity-generating glass or plastic device (TEGD) module. It is desirable, and in some cases critical, to safely, efficiently, and / or effectively interconnect the electronic transmission from the electrical coating and / or electrical connections inside the electricity-generating glass or plastic device (TEGD) to an externally frame-mounted wiring system for electrical transmission.

[0018] The homogeneous electricity-generating glass or plastic device (TEGD) and the electrical module junction box transfer device (E-JBTD) can include a joining device at opposite electrical series or parallel string terminal connections that is configured to maximize voltage and current to obtain the effective power level required for proper connection to other balance-of-system (BOS) components.

[0019] A homogeneous power generation glass or plastic device (TEGD) and an electrical module junction box transmission device (E-JBTD) can be integrated into a typical double-pane laminated glass or plastic product or device. In some examples, an OPV power generation coating can be uniformly applied to the second surface of a first low iron lite, which is laminated using a typical laminated film and sandwiched between a second low iron glass or plastic sheet. The power generation OPV coating is novel at first, and the connection of the coating to the electrical module junction box transmission device (E-JBTD) can include one or more electrical connectors rigidly mounted in place, which are physically separated from each other by a non-conductive dielectric insulating material that protects and insulates the electrical contacts. The interconnection between the module and the electrical module junction box transmission device (E-JBTD) is also novel at first, and the connection is completed by pressing the electrical module junction box transmission device (E-JBTD) onto the existing OPV module electrical tab and firmly fixing the electrical module junction box transmission device (E-JBTD) to the bottom of the homogeneous power generation glass or plastic device (TEGD). Then the internal electrical connection is converted into a typical or standardized MC-4 connection, similar to the ordinary conventional electrical connection shown in, for example, FIG. 1A. The MC-4 connection is a single-contact electrical connector commonly used to connect solar panels and is a typical industry standard for module-to-module or module-to-system balance (BOS) terminal wire connections.

[0020] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed to a homogeneous power generation glass or plastic device (TEGD) for a transparent greenhouse power generation module and an associated electrical module junction box transmission device (E-JBTD). The homogeneous power generation device (TEGD) includes two or more low iron glass or plastic sheets, a homogeneously applied OPV coating, and a laminated film, and the electrical module junction box transmission device (E-JBTD) includes one or more electrical connectors and a non-conductive dielectric insulating material that protects the one or more electrical connectors. The homogeneous power generation glass or plastic device (TEGD) and the electrical module junction box transmission device (E-JBTD) can include one or more single-contact electrical connectors electrically connected to the one or more electrical connectors. The one or more single-contact electrical connectors can include an MC-4 connection.

[0021] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description and the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] These and other aspects and features of embodiments of the present invention will be better understood after reading the following detailed description and the drawings included herein:

[0023] FIG. 1A shows an example of a conventional male and female MC-4 connector for a photovoltaic (PV) module;

[0024] Figure 1B shows an example of a conventional double-sided photovoltaic (PV) module;

[0025] Figure 1C shows an example of a conventional transparent photovoltaic (PV) module;

[0026] Figure 2A shows a schematic side view of an electrical module junction box transfer device (E-JBTD) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2B shows a schematic top view of an electrical module junction box transfer device (E-JBTD) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3A shows a schematic left side view of an electrical module junction box transfer device (E-JBTD) connected to a homogeneous power generation glass or plastic device (TEGD) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3B shows a schematic front side view of an electrical module junction box transfer device (E-JBTD) connected to a homogeneous power generation glass or plastic device (TEGD) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 shows a bottom view of a homogeneous transparent power generation device (TEGD) system including an electrical module junction box transfer device (E-JBTD) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5A shows a schematic bottom view of a greenhouse power generation system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0032] Figure 5B shows a side view of the greenhouse power generation system according to the exemplary embodiment of Figure 5A. Detailed Embodiments

[0033] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0034] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, exemplary embodiments of a homogeneous transparent power generation device (TEGD) and an electrical module junction box transfer device (E-JBTD) will now be described.

[0035] For background and comparison purposes, FIG. 1A illustrates an example of a conventional MC-4 connector configured to fasten and connect a glass or plastic device for electricity generation (EGD) outside of a rated insulated conductor to a module or other device. As described above, such an MC-4 connection is a single-contact electrical connector commonly used to connect solar panels and is a typical industry standard for module-to-module or module-to-system balance of plant (BOS) terminal wire connections. FIG. 1B shows an example of a conventional c-Si (black body) photovoltaic (PV) module and FIG. 1C shows an example of a conventional transparent channel-coated photovoltaic (PV) module.

[0036] FIGS. 2A through 5B illustrate exemplary embodiments of a system for a transparent greenhouse electricity generation module (GEGM) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the system including an electrical module junction box transfer device (E-JBTD) 200 and a homogeneous transparent glass or plastic device for electricity generation (TEGD) 300.

[0037] Specifically, FIGS. 2A-2B show side and top views of an example of an Electrical Module Junction Box Transmission Device (E-JBTD) 200. As shown in the front side (FIG. 2A) of the Electrical Module Junction Box Transmission Device (E-JBTD) 200, the Electrical Module Junction Box Transmission Device (E-JBTD) 200 can have a body 201 that includes an internal connection clip 202 (e.g., an electronic transmission clip; clip A 202 in FIGS. 3A-3B) configured to press onto electrical tabs (e.g., tab A 302 in FIGS. 3A-3B) emerging from the leading edge of a homogeneous transparent or plastic device (TEGD) 300. The electronic transmission clip (clip A 202) is internally connected from the body 201 to externally integrated MC-4 connectors 208, 210, which will allow for seamless connection to commonly used electrical connectors (e.g., electrical connectors that typically conform to typical industrial standards for module-to-module or module-to-system balance-of-system (BOS) terminal wire connections and are commonly used to connect solar panels). The Electrical Module Junction Box Transmission Device (E-JBTD) 200 can include a non-conductive dielectric insulating material 204 that isolates electrical contact points between positive and negative conductor terminals to prevent arc discharge. For example, the non-conductive dielectric insulating material 204 can be a separate component provided to isolate electrical contact points between positive and negative conductor terminals to prevent arc discharge, or the non-conductive dielectric insulating material 204 can be integrally formed with the body 201 or a portion thereof to isolate electrical contact points between positive and negative conductor terminals to prevent arc discharge. In an example, the leading edge of the body 201 of the Electrical Module Junction Box Transmission Device (E-JBTD) 200 can be covered with insulating silicone resin materials 206 and 207, etc., allowing for a liquid-tight connection. Additionally, the top view (FIG. 2B) of the Electrical Module Junction Box Transmission Device (E-JBTD) 200 shows an example where the contact points of the electrical conductors are fully encapsulated in the non-conductive dielectric insulating material 204. Moreover, the top view shows an example of an internal bus bar 212, etc., which is encapsulated with the non-conductive dielectric material 204 and extends from the internal clip 202 to output line connections (e.g., 208, 210). The MC-4 male connection 208 and female connection 210 are connections that are typically used to secure the outputs of positive and negative conductor terminal connections. In the industry, the female connector 210 is typically positive (+) while the male connector 208 is typically negative (-). This plug and socket connection is designed to prevent accidental conductor connections.

[0038] Figures 3A through 3B show exemplary side and front views of an Electrical-Junction Box Transfer Device (E-JBTD) 200 when assembled onto a laminated homogeneous transparent power generating glass or plastic device (TEGD) or module 300. Figures 3A through 3B show side and front views and an example of how electrical tabs 302 extending from the EGP device / module 300 are seamlessly connected to electrical connector clips 202 of the E-JBTD 200. Also, Figures 3A through 3B show examples including silicone-insulated waterproof seals 206 and 207 that are assembled between the E-JBTD 200 and the glass / glass or plastic / plastic laminate of the TEGD or module 300 (e.g., between the body 201 of the E-JBTD 200 or a portion thereof and the glass / glass or plastic / plastic laminate of the TEGD or module 300).

[0039] Figure 4 shows a top view of a homogeneous transparent power generating glass or plastic device (TEGD) with an Electrical-Junction Box Transfer Device (E-JBTD) 200 connected thereto. Figure 4 shows an example of a fully connected Electrical-Junction Box Transfer Device (E-JBTD) 200 on a TEGD or module 300. In the example shown, the dimensions of the homogeneous transparent power generating glass or plastic device (TEGD) are based on typical techniques currently used for installing greenhouse glass or plastic. However, the dimensions are not limited to those shown in this example, and other examples may be configured differently with different dimensions. For example, the dimensions of the homogeneous transparent power generating glass or plastic device (TEGD) 300 may be reduced or enlarged according to the design of the greenhouse opening. Figure 3B shows an example where the fixed connection of the (E-JBTD) 200 can be configured to be fixed to the TEGD or module 300 by a single click (i.e., a single snap connection). The Electrical-Junction Box Transfer Device (E-JBTD) 200 can be configured to be easily applied to a module or homogeneous power generating glass or plastic device (TEGD) 300, thereby achieving a secure and reliable connection. In the example, once a connection is formed between the Electrical-Junction Box Transfer Device (E-JBTD) 200 and the homogeneous power generating glass or plastic device (TEGD) 300, it cannot be removed and reinstalled onto another module or transparent power generating glass or plastic device (TEGD) 300. In some examples, the Electrical-Junction Box Transfer Device (E-JBTD) 200 may be non-reusable and is designed not to be removed once installed at the factory (e.g., cannot be removed).

[0040] Figures 5A and 5B illustrate an example of a greenhouse power generation system 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, a portion of the greenhouse may include a module having a frame 502 (i.e., greenhouse frame) that supports one or more homogeneous transparent panels that allow sunlight to enter or pass through the module into the interior of the greenhouse. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other configurations of greenhouses or greenhouse modules may be provided. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to any particular type of greenhouse arrangement or construction.

[0041] Exemplary greenhouse power generation systems may include a homogeneous coated transparent power generation glass or plastic device (TEGD) 300 and an electrical junction box transmission device (E-JBTD) 200. The homogeneous coated transparent power generation glass or plastic device (TEGD) 300 may allow light to transmit into the greenhouse and onto the plants within the greenhouse. Compared to, for example, a conventional transparent c-Si (black body) photovoltaic (PV) module as shown in Figure 1B and a conventional transparent photovoltaic (PV) module with channel coated lines as shown in Figure 1C, exemplary embodiments of the present invention may allow a greater amount of light to pass through the system, as well as allow homogeneous transmission of light through the system, such that a sufficient amount of uniform and consistent homogeneous light can be transmitted for proper or desired plant growth.

[0042] Similar to the example embodiments described with reference to Figures 2A through 4, the electrical junction box transmission device (E-JBTD) 200 in the examples of Figures 5A and 5B may include a body, one or more electrical connectors on the body, and a non-conductive dielectric insulating material that protects the one or more electrical connectors. As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the exemplary electrical junction box transmission device (E-JBTD) 200 may be located on the homogeneous coated transparent power generation glass or plastic device (TEGD) 300 such that interference or obstruction of light transmission through the coating into the interior of the greenhouse can be avoided or minimized, thereby allowing a greater amount of light and light transmission into the greenhouse and onto the plants within the greenhouse to improve the uniform and efficient growth of these plants while providing the required amount of electrical power generation.

[0043] The present invention has been described herein in accordance with several preferred embodiments. However, modifications and additions to these embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the foregoing description. All such modifications and additions are intended to form part of the present invention, provided they fall within the scope of the several appended claims.

Claims

1. A greenhouse power generation module, comprising: An organic photovoltaic homogeneous coating power generation laminating device, which includes a double laminating coating electrical device; And An electrical module junction box transmission device integrated into the edge of the organic photovoltaic homogeneous coating power generation laminating device, the electrical module junction box transmission device includes: A main body; One or more electrical connectors on the main body, wherein the one or more electrical connectors include at least one connection clip located inside the main body; and An internal bus bar, the internal bus bar extends from the connection clip to the one or more electrical connectors, wherein the internal bus bar is encapsulated with a non-conductive dielectric insulating material, and the non-conductive dielectric insulating material encapsulates the one or more electrical connectors.

2. The greenhouse power generation module according to claim 1, wherein, The organic photovoltaic homogeneous coating power generation laminating device includes a low iron sheet coated with a homogeneous organic photovoltaic coating and laminated between one or more sheets using a lamination film.

3. The greenhouse power generation module according to claim 1, wherein, The organic photovoltaic homogeneous coating power generation laminating device further includes: Two electrical bus bars, the two electrical bus bars are contained between two laminated glass or plastic sheets and exit from two openings in the bottom glass or plastic sheet.

4. The greenhouse power generation module according to claim 1, wherein, The organic photovoltaic homogeneous coating power generation laminating device further includes: A glass or plastic part, the glass or plastic part has two drilled holes and is covered with an insulating material, and the insulating material is configured to provide a liquid-tight connection.

5. The greenhouse power generation module according to claim 1, wherein, One or more electrical connectors of the electrical module junction box transmission device include at least two electrical connectors, and Wherein, the non-conductive dielectric insulating material physically separates the at least two electrical connectors.

6. The greenhouse power generation module according to claim 1, wherein, The electrical module junction box transmission device further includes: One or more single-contact electrical connectors, the one or more single-contact electrical connectors are electrically connected to the one or more electrical connectors.

7. The greenhouse power generation module according to claim 6, wherein, The one or more single-contact electrical connectors include MC-4 connections.

8. The greenhouse power generation module according to claim 5 further includes at least two single-contact electrical connectors electrically connected to the at least two electrical connectors, wherein, The at least two single-contact electrical connectors include MC-4 connections.

9. The greenhouse power generation module according to claim 8, wherein, One of the MC-4 connections includes a male MC-4 connection and the other MC-4 connection includes a female MC-4 connection.

10. The greenhouse power generation module according to claim 1, wherein, The edge of the main body of the electrical module junction box transmission device is covered with an insulating material, and the insulating material is configured to provide a liquid-tight connection to the organic photovoltaic homogeneous coating power generation laminating device.

11. The greenhouse power generation module according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more electrical connectors are completely isolated from each other by the non-conductive dielectric insulating material.

12. The greenhouse power generation module according to claim 6, wherein: The internal bus bar electrically connects the one or more single-contact electrical connectors to the one or more electrical connectors and is encapsulated within the non-conductive dielectric insulating material.

13. A greenhouse power generation system, comprising: ​ ​ ​ An insulating material, which is between the organic photovoltaic homogeneous coating power generation laminating device and the electrical module junction box transfer device, and is configured to provide a liquid-tight connection between the organic photovoltaic homogeneous coating power generation laminating device and the electrical module junction box transfer device.

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