Auxiliary device for photovoltaic module detection

By combining an automatic conveying mechanism with light-blocking curtains, automated testing of photovoltaic modules is achieved, solving the problems of low efficiency and damage caused by manual handling, and improving testing efficiency and module safety.

CN224147004UActive Publication Date: 2026-04-21中国电建集团贵州工程有限公司
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
中国电建集团贵州工程有限公司
Filing Date
2025-05-13
Publication Date
2026-04-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the existing photovoltaic module EL testing process, manual handling is inefficient and can easily lead to module damage.

Method used

An automated conveyor system replaces manual handling, and combined with light-blocking curtains and camera photography, automated testing of photovoltaic modules is achieved, ensuring the darkness of the testing environment and the safety of the modules.

Benefits of technology

It improves handling efficiency, reduces manual labor intensity, avoids component damage, and ensures the accuracy and reliability of test results.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses an auxiliary device for photovoltaic module detection in the technical field of photovoltaic module detection, and the auxiliary device comprises a detection box and an automatic conveying mechanism which is located in the detection box and is used for conveying a photovoltaic module, two opposite wall bodies of the detection box are respectively provided with an avoiding opening for the photovoltaic module to pass through, and the automatic conveying mechanism extends to the avoiding openings. Light blocking curtain cloth is arranged at the avoiding opening, the avoiding opening is completely blocked by the light blocking curtain cloth in an initial state, and a camera used for photographing the photovoltaic module is arranged in the detection box. According to the auxiliary device, the detection efficiency of the photovoltaic module can be remarkably improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of photovoltaic module testing technology, and specifically relates to an auxiliary device for photovoltaic module testing. Background Technology

[0002] Photovoltaic modules, also known as solar panels, are power generation devices formed by connecting multiple solar cells in series and parallel and encapsulating them within a frame, resulting in devices with specific specifications and power output. Their core function is to directly convert solar energy into electrical energy, making them the core component of a photovoltaic power generation system.

[0003] Before use, photovoltaic (PV) modules typically undergo electroluminescence (EL) testing. During testing, the PV modules are first placed in a dark environment to ensure that the detected light signal originates solely from the electroluminescence within the cells and is unaffected by external light. Then, a forward voltage is applied to the PV modules, causing the cells to produce electroluminescence. A high-sensitivity camera is then used to capture the fluorescence emitted by the panel. The electroluminescence images are then analyzed using a data analyzer on a backend computer, clearly revealing the location and distribution of defects within the panel, providing crucial information for quality assessment and fault diagnosis.

[0004] Currently, electroluminescence (EL) testing of photovoltaic (PV) modules typically involves manually moving the modules into a darkroom / testing chamber. A support frame is then set up inside the darkroom, and a camera is mounted on the frame to photograph the PV module. The camera connects to a computer at the backend via electrical signals, where a data analyzer analyzes the electroluminescence images. After photographing the PV module, it must be moved out of the darkroom, and then the next PV module is moved in, and so on. This method requires a large amount of manual labor to move the PV modules, resulting in low efficiency, and the PV modules are prone to microcracks or damage during transport. Utility Model Content

[0005] The present invention aims to provide an auxiliary device for testing photovoltaic modules, so as to solve the problem that manual handling of photovoltaic modules in and out of darkrooms / test boxes is inefficient and easily leads to damage to photovoltaic modules.

[0006] An auxiliary device for testing photovoltaic modules in this solution includes a testing box and an automatic conveying mechanism located inside the testing box for conveying photovoltaic modules. Both opposite walls of the testing box are provided with clearance openings for the photovoltaic modules to pass through. The automatic conveying mechanism extends to the clearance openings, and a light-blocking curtain is provided at the clearance openings. In the initial state, the light-blocking curtain completely blocks the clearance openings. The testing box is equipped with a camera for taking pictures of the photovoltaic modules.

[0007] The working principle of this solution is as follows: During operation, the photovoltaic (PV) module is placed on an automatic conveyor mechanism, which then feeds the PV module into the testing chamber through a clearance opening in the chamber wall. Because a light-blocking curtain is installed at the clearance opening, once the PV module is fully inside the testing chamber, the curtain completely blocks the opening, ensuring a dark environment inside the chamber, meeting the ambient light requirements for electroluminescence (EL) testing of PV modules. Once the PV module reaches its designated position within the testing chamber, a camera inside the chamber takes a picture of it. After the picture is taken, the automatic conveyor mechanism then removes the PV module from the testing chamber and feeds in the next PV module for testing.

[0008] This solution replaces manual handling of photovoltaic modules in and out of the testing box with an automated conveyor system, greatly improving handling efficiency and reducing labor intensity. At the same time, it avoids microcracks or damage to the photovoltaic modules caused by improper operation during manual handling, ensuring the quality of the photovoltaic modules and reducing production costs.

[0009] Furthermore, the automatic conveying mechanism is a belt conveyor, which includes a motor and a conveyor belt for transporting photovoltaic modules. Both ends of the conveyor belt extend to the clearance openings of the testing box. The motor provides power for the belt conveyor. During operation, the motor drives the conveyor belt to smoothly transport the photovoltaic modules into and out of the testing box. The relatively soft surface of the conveyor belt prevents wear on the photovoltaic module surface during transport, further protecting the photovoltaic modules.

[0010] Furthermore, the detection box is equipped with an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the camera height. This mechanism allows for flexible adjustment of the camera height according to different specifications and sizes of photovoltaic modules, ensuring the camera is in the optimal shooting position and guaranteeing clear and complete electroluminescent images, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of the detection results.

[0011] Furthermore, the adjustment mechanism includes a base and a mounting column fixedly connected to the base. A hydraulic cylinder is installed inside the mounting column, with the free end of the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder facing upwards. The mounting column has a guide hole for the piston rod to pass through, and a connecting rod is detachably connected to the free end of the piston rod. The camera is mounted on the connecting rod, and a notch is provided on the wall of the mounting column for the connecting rod to pass through. The hydraulic cylinder drives the connecting rod to move up and down through the extension and retraction of the piston rod, thereby adjusting the camera height and facilitating quick adjustment of the camera to a suitable shooting height.

[0012] Furthermore, a mounting block is detachably connected to the free end of the piston rod. The mounting block is located within a notch, and an electric telescopic rod is mounted on the mounting block. The connecting rod is fixedly connected to the free end of the electric telescopic rod. After the initial adjustment of the camera height, the electric telescopic rod can be fine-tuned to achieve more precise position control, meeting the needs for subtle adjustments to the camera position in different detection scenarios and further improving the shooting effect.

[0013] Furthermore, both sides of the notch are provided with sliding grooves, and the mounting block is provided with sliders that cooperate with the sliding grooves. The sliding grooves on both sides of the notch cooperate with the sliders on the mounting block to guide and limit the movement of the camera as the mounting block moves, ensuring that the mounting block moves smoothly along the predetermined direction and preventing the camera from shaking or deviating during the adjustment process.

[0014] Furthermore, a support block is fixedly connected to the mounting block, and the top of the support block has a semi-circular groove, within which the connecting rod overlaps. The groove provides additional support for the connecting rod, enhancing the stability of the camera mounting.

[0015] Furthermore, the base is fixedly connected to the frame. Ensure the base and frame are in a stable position.

[0016] Furthermore, the base is equipped with casters at its bottom to facilitate the movement of the adjustment mechanism.

[0017] Furthermore, the bottom of the testing box is equipped with casters to facilitate the movement of the auxiliary device. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an auxiliary device for testing photovoltaic modules according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the belt conveyor inside the testing box.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection of the belt conveyor, adjustment mechanism, and camera in Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection of the belt conveyor, adjustment mechanism, and camera in Embodiment 3 of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The following detailed description illustrates the specific implementation method:

[0023] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings include: 1. Caster wheel; 2. Inspection box; 3. Clearance opening; 4. Belt conveyor; 41. Frame; 42. Reducer; 43. Drive roller; 44. Motor; 45. Conveyor belt; 5. Light-blocking curtain; 6. Base; 7. Mounting part; 8. Hydraulic cylinder; 9. Mounting hole; 10. Limiting part; 11. Piston rod; 12. Guide hole; 13. Notch; 14. Slide groove; 15. Electric telescopic rod; 16. Mounting block; 17. Support block; 18. Connecting rod; 19. Camera.

[0024] Example 1 is basically as shown in the appendix. Figures 1-2 As shown: An auxiliary device for testing photovoltaic modules includes a testing box 2 and a belt conveyor 4 located inside the testing box 2 for transporting photovoltaic modules. The belt conveyor 4 mainly consists of two end rollers and a closed conveyor belt 45 tightly fitted on them. The roller that drives the conveyor belt 45 to rotate is called the drive roller 43; the other roller that only changes the direction of movement of the conveyor belt 45 is called the redirecting roller. The drive roller 43 is driven by a motor 44 through a reducer 42. Both opposite walls of the testing box 2 are provided with clearance openings 3 for the passage of photovoltaic modules. The two ends of the conveyor belt 45 extend to the clearance openings 3. Light-blocking curtains 5 are provided at the clearance openings 3. In the initial state, the light-blocking curtains 5 completely block the clearance openings 3. A camera 19 for taking pictures of the photovoltaic modules is provided inside the testing box 2, and casters 1 are provided on the outer bottom of the testing box 2.

[0025] The specific implementation process is as follows: When in use, the operator moves the test box 2 to a suitable working position using the casters 1 on its bottom, and then locks the casters 1 to make the test box 2 stable and fixed.

[0026] Next, the photovoltaic module is placed on the conveyor belt 45 of the belt conveyor 4, and the motor 44 is started. The motor 44 drives the drive roller 43 to rotate through the reducer 42, which in turn drives the conveyor belt 45 to rotate. Driven by the conveyor belt 45, the photovoltaic module moves smoothly along the conveyor belt 45 into the testing box 2. Since both ends of the conveyor belt 45 extend to the clearance openings 3 on the wall of the testing box 2, the photovoltaic module can smoothly pass through the clearance openings 3 and enter the testing box 2. After the photovoltaic module has completely entered the testing box 2, the light-blocking curtain 5 automatically resets under its own weight, completely blocking the clearance openings 3, thereby isolating external light and creating a dark environment inside the testing box 2, which meets the ambient light requirements for the electroluminescence (EL) testing of photovoltaic modules.

[0027] At this time, the camera 19 inside the testing box 2 starts working, taking pictures of the photovoltaic modules at the designated positions inside the testing box 2 to obtain electroluminescent images of the photovoltaic modules. After the pictures are taken, the motor 44 continues to work, driving the conveyor belt 45 to rotate and send the photovoltaic modules that have completed the testing out of the testing box 2.

[0028] Then, the next photovoltaic module to be tested is placed on the conveyor belt 45, and the above steps are repeated to achieve continuous testing of the photovoltaic modules.

[0029] The difference between Example 2 and Example 1 is that the detection box 2 is equipped with an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the camera 19, as shown in the attached diagram. Figure 3 As shown: The adjustment mechanism includes a base 6 and a mounting column fixedly connected to the base 6, which is fixedly connected to the frame 41. The mounting column includes a mounting part 7 at the bottom and a limiting part 10 at the top. The top of the mounting part 7 has a constriction and an external thread. The bottom of the limiting part 10 has a blind hole with an internal thread, and the blind hole is threaded to the constriction. The top center of the mounting part 7 has a mounting hole 9, in which a hydraulic cylinder 8 is installed. The free end of the piston rod 11 of the hydraulic cylinder 8 faces upward. The limiting part 10 has a guide hole 12 for the piston rod 11 to pass through along its axis. The guide hole 12 communicates with the blind hole and is coaxial. The free end of the piston rod 11 is detachable. The mounting block 16 is connected to the limiting part 10. The wall of the limiting part 10 is provided with a notch 13 for the mounting block 16 to pass through. The mounting block 16 is located in the notch 13. The mounting block 16 is "└" shaped. Both sides of the notch 13 are provided with sliding grooves 14. The mounting block 16 is provided with a slider that cooperates with the sliding grooves 14. An electric telescopic rod 15 is installed at the end of the mounting block 16 away from the piston rod 11. The free end of the electric telescopic rod 15 is fixedly and detachably connected to a connecting rod 18. The camera 19 is installed on the connecting rod 18. An upwardly extending support block 17 is fixedly connected at the end of the mounting block 16 away from the piston rod 11. The top of the support block 17 is provided with a semi-circular groove. The connecting rod 18 overlaps in the groove.

[0030] The specific implementation process is as follows: Before use, the height of the camera 19 is initially adjusted according to the specifications and dimensions of the photovoltaic module to be tested. The specific operation is as follows: By controlling the extension and retraction of the piston rod 11 of the hydraulic cylinder 8, the mounting block 16 is moved up and down. Since the slider on the mounting block 16 cooperates with the sliding grooves 14 on both sides of the notch 13 of the limiting part 10, it plays a guiding and limiting role during the movement of the mounting block 16, ensuring that the mounting block 16 can move smoothly along the predetermined direction. After the initial adjustment of the camera 19 height, if more precise position control is required, the electric telescopic rod 15 can be activated. The extension and retraction of the electric telescopic rod 15 drives the connecting rod 18 and the camera 19 to make fine adjustments, meeting the needs for subtle adjustments to the position of the camera 19 under different testing scenarios, further improving the shooting effect. Then, the photovoltaic module is placed on the conveyor belt 45 of the belt conveyor 4. The subsequent process of the photovoltaic module entering the testing box 2, taking pictures for testing, and sending it out of the testing box 2 is the same as in Example 1.

[0031] The difference between Example 3 and Example 2 is as follows: (See attached diagram) Figure 3As shown, the base 6 is not connected to the frame 41, and the bottom of the base 6 is equipped with casters 1. During use, the operator can use the casters 1 at the bottom of the base 6 to move the adjustment mechanism within the testing box 2 according to actual testing needs. The adjustment mechanism is moved to a suitable position within the testing box 2, and the casters 1 at the bottom of the base 6 are locked to ensure the adjustment mechanism is stably fixed. Other processes are the same as in Example 2.

[0032] In addition to the above usage methods, Examples 1-3 can also connect the controller of the back-end computer to the electric motor 44, hydraulic cylinder 8, electric telescopic rod 15, and camera 19 via electrical signals. The back-end controller can then control the on / off state and operation of the electric motor 44, hydraulic cylinder 8, electric telescopic rod 15, and camera 19 to achieve automated control. Furthermore, other belt conveyors 4 can be installed at both ends of the detection box 2 to achieve long-distance automated transportation of photovoltaic modules. The controller can be a PLC controller or a microcontroller with corresponding functions.

[0033] The above descriptions are merely embodiments of this utility model, and common knowledge regarding specific structures and characteristics is not elaborated upon here. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the structure of this utility model, and these should also be considered within the scope of protection of this utility model. These modifications will not affect the effectiveness of the implementation of this utility model or the practicality of the patent. The scope of protection claimed in this application shall be determined by the content of its claims, and the specific embodiments described in the specification can be used to interpret the content of the claims.

Claims

1. An auxiliary device for photovoltaic module inspection, characterized by: The device includes a testing box and an automatic conveying mechanism located inside the testing box for transporting photovoltaic modules. Both opposite walls of the testing box are provided with clearance openings for the photovoltaic modules to pass through. The automatic conveying mechanism extends to the clearance openings, where a light-blocking curtain is provided. In its initial state, the light-blocking curtain completely blocks the clearance openings. The testing box is equipped with a camera for taking pictures of the photovoltaic modules.

2. The auxiliary device for photovoltaic module inspection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The automatic conveying mechanism is a belt conveyor, which includes a motor and a conveyor belt for conveying photovoltaic modules. Both ends of the conveyor belt extend to the clearance opening of the detection box, and the motor provides power for the operation of the belt conveyor.

3. An auxiliary device for photovoltaic module inspection according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The detection box is equipped with an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the camera height.

4. The auxiliary device for photovoltaic module inspection according to claim 3, characterized in that: The adjustment mechanism includes a base and a mounting column fixedly connected to the base. A hydraulic cylinder is installed inside the mounting column, with the free end of the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder facing upward. The mounting column is provided with a guide hole for the piston rod to pass through. A connecting rod is detachably connected to the free end of the piston rod. The camera is mounted on the connecting rod. The wall of the mounting column is provided with a notch for the connecting rod to pass through.

5. The auxiliary device for photovoltaic module inspection according to claim 4, characterized in that: The piston rod has a detachable mounting block at its free end. The mounting block is located within a notch, and an electric telescopic rod is mounted on the mounting block. The connecting rod is fixedly connected to the free end of the electric telescopic rod.

6. An auxiliary device for photovoltaic module inspection according to claim 5, characterized in that: The notch has grooves on both sides, and the mounting block has a slider that works in conjunction with the grooves.

7. The auxiliary device for photovoltaic module inspection according to claim 6, characterized in that: A support block is fixedly connected to the mounting block, and a semi-circular groove is provided on the top of the support block, in which the connecting rod overlaps.

8. An auxiliary device for testing photovoltaic modules according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that: The base is fixedly connected to the frame.

9. An auxiliary device for photovoltaic module inspection according to any of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that: The base is equipped with casters at the bottom.

10. An auxiliary device for photovoltaic module inspection according to any of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that: The bottom of the testing box is equipped with casters.