Photovoltaic module and its frame structure

Abstract

This application discloses a photovoltaic module and its frame structure. By installing a scraper that can expand and contract with temperature on the lower surface of the top plate of the frame, the scraper can bulge or be flush with the inner side of the top plate when it expands with temperature. Therefore, the dust accumulated between the laminate and the frame can be squeezed inward by the thermal expansion and contraction of the scraper. During rainfall, the dust is washed away by rainwater, and then discharged through the through-holes set on the top plate by the siphon effect, thus achieving a self-cleaning function. This increases the cleanliness of the laminate surface and ensures power generation efficiency. This can extend the cycle of manual dust cleaning. Moreover, the frame structure is intact, and there is no need to remove the top plate or redesign the pressure block, which reduces costs and ensures mechanical strength.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of new energy technology, and in particular to a photovoltaic module and its frame structure. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of photovoltaic technology, photovoltaic modules, which are semiconductor devices that convert solar energy into electrical energy, have been rapidly developed. Photovoltaic power generation is a technology that directly converts light energy into electrical energy using the photovoltaic effect at the semiconductor interface, and it is currently the mainstream technology for generating electricity from solar energy. As photovoltaic power generation technology continues to advance and costs gradually decrease, the application areas of photovoltaic power generation are constantly expanding, including rooftop power generation, glass curtain wall power generation, and hydroelectric power generation, among others.

[0003] A solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation system consists of individual PV modules. The front of each PV module faces the sunlight to generate electricity. Therefore, during installation, PV modules are mounted on brackets to ensure stable installation.

[0004] Traditional photovoltaic (PV) module frames involve inserting and bonding the PV laminate inside the frame. Because the frame is higher than the surface of the glass on the PV laminate, dust accumulates at the edges of the frame during long-term outdoor use, blocking sunlight and affecting the PV module's power generation efficiency, reducing efficiency by 5-25%.

[0005] To prevent dust and water accumulation on the surface of laminates, a frame without an A-side (top panel) is commonly used for assembly with the laminates, and sealant is applied. This ensures the top surface of the laminate is not obstructed by the frame. However, a tiny groove or gap (approximately 0.5-5mm deep) forms at the joint between the frame's B-side (outer panel) and the laminate, allowing dust to easily accumulate. In dusty environments, the dust accumulation density at the joint can reach 3-10g / ㎡, requiring cleaning approximately every 2-3 months. Furthermore, due to the A-side-less design, the mounting blocks require special customization, increasing costs and reducing the frame's mechanical strength. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this application is to provide a photovoltaic module and its frame structure that can achieve self-cleaning function, increase the cleanliness of the laminate surface, ensure power generation efficiency, extend the cycle of manual cleaning of dust accumulation, reduce costs, and ensure mechanical strength.

[0007] The embodiments of this application can be implemented as follows:

[0008] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a photovoltaic module frame structure, including a frame and a scraper;

[0009] The frame includes an outer side plate, a top plate connected to the top edge of the outer side plate, and a support plate connected to the inner side of the outer side plate. The top plate and the support plate are opposite to each other. The top plate, the outer side plate, and the support plate together form a mounting groove for inserting the edge of the laminate. The top plate is provided with a guide hole that penetrates the outer and inner sides along its own width direction.

[0010] The scraper has the property of thermal expansion and contraction. The scraper is installed on the lower surface of the top plate and protrudes or is flush with the inner side of the top plate when heated and expanded. The lower side of the scraper is used for the insertion of the laminate.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, one of the scraper and the top plate is provided with a mating recess, and the other is provided with a mating protrusion, and the mating recess and the mating protrusion are connected and fixed.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, the mating protrusion and the mating recess are interference-fitted with an interference amount of 0.2 mm.

[0013] And / or,

[0014] The number of mating recesses and mating protrusions are both multiple, and they all extend along the length direction of the top plate or the scraper, so that the upper surface of the scraper and the lower surface of the top plate are both undulating in a wave-like or sawtooth shape.

[0015] In an optional embodiment, the side of the scraper facing away from the outer side plate is a pushing surface, and the upper edge of the pushing surface is closer to the outer side plate than the lower edge.

[0016] In an optional implementation, the pushing surface is a flat surface, a concave arc surface, or a convex arc surface.

[0017] In an optional embodiment, the cross-section of the scraper is a trapezoid with a narrower top and a wider bottom, and the upper surface of the scraper has a width of 3mm, the lower surface has a width of 5mm, and the height is 2mm.

[0018] In an optional embodiment, the scraper blade has a Shore hardness of 50-70A and a coefficient of thermal expansion of 160×10⁻⁶. -6 / ℃;

[0019] And / or,

[0020] The scraper protrudes 0.5mm from the inner side of the top plate.

[0021] In an optional embodiment, the axial direction of the flow guide hole is parallel to the laminate;

[0022] And / or,

[0023] The top plate is provided with multiple guide holes arranged at intervals along its own length, with a spacing of 5cm between two adjacent guide holes.

[0024] In an optional embodiment, the guide hole is a combination of curved and flat surfaces or a polygonal hole, and at least one flat surface is parallel to the laminate.

[0025] or,

[0026] The guide hole is a circular hole.

[0027] Secondly, this utility model provides a photovoltaic module, including a laminate and the photovoltaic module frame structure described in any of the foregoing embodiments;

[0028] The laminate is inserted into the mounting groove, and the scraper is opposite to the laminate.

[0029] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the embodiments of this application include, for example:

[0030] By installing a scraper that can expand and contract with temperature on the lower surface of the top plate of the frame, the scraper can bulge out or be flush with the inner side of the top plate when it expands with temperature. Therefore, the dust accumulated between the laminate and the frame can be squeezed inward by the thermal expansion and contraction of the scraper. During rainfall, the dust is washed away by rainwater, and then discharged through the through-holes set in the top plate by the siphon effect. This achieves a self-cleaning function, increases the cleanliness of the laminate surface, and ensures power generation efficiency. This can extend the cycle of manual dust cleaning. Moreover, the frame structure is intact, and there is no need to remove the top plate or redesign the pressure block, which reduces costs and ensures mechanical strength. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a top view of a partial structure of a photovoltaic module according to an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 2 for Figure 1 One of the cross-sectional schematic diagrams;

[0034] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of region I;

[0035] Figure 4 for Figure 1The second cross-sectional schematic diagram;

[0036] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the middle frame structure;

[0037] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a local structure.

[0038] Icons: 100 - Border structure; 110 - Border; 111 - Outer panel; 112 - Top panel; 1120 - Drain hole; 1121 - Mating recess; 113 - Support plate; 114 - Mounting groove; 120 - Scraper; 121 - Mating protrusion; 200 - Laminated component; 300 - Sealant. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0040] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0041] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0042] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this application is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0043] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0044] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0045] The following detailed description of some embodiments of this application is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0046] refer to Figures 1 to 4 This application discloses a photovoltaic module and its frame structure 100. The photovoltaic module includes a laminate 200 and a photovoltaic module frame structure 100.

[0047] The laminate 200 encapsulates the solar cells between protective materials to form a robust and weather-resistant integral structure. This encapsulation not only protects the fragile cells from the effects of the external environment (such as moisture, dust, mechanical damage, etc.), but also improves their efficiency and service life.

[0048] Specifically, the laminate 200 includes tempered glass, encapsulated film, battery cells, backsheet material, junction box, and bypass diode.

[0049] Solar cells are the core components of photovoltaic modules, responsible for converting light energy into electrical energy. Common types include monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, and thin-film solar cells.

[0050] The battery cells are wrapped in two layers of adhesive film, which have good adhesion, flexibility and transparency, effectively preventing moisture and contaminants from entering and providing a certain buffering effect.

[0051] Tempered glass is located on the outermost layer of the front of the solar cell. Its main function is to protect the internal components and withstand certain external impacts. It also has high light transmittance to ensure that sunlight can fully reach the solar cell.

[0052] The backsheet material is located on the back of the solar cell and is used to protect the cell from the influence of the environment behind it. Commonly used materials include PET composite materials and TPT (Tedlar / PET / Tedlar), which are required to have good insulation, water resistance and weather resistance.

[0053] The junction box is fixed to the back of the back panel material and contains a bypass diode to prevent hot spot effect and facilitate electrical connection.

[0054] refer to Figures 2 to 5 The photovoltaic module frame structure 100 includes a frame 110 and a scraper 120; the frame 110 includes an outer side plate 111, a top plate 112 connected to the top edge of the outer side plate 111, and a support plate 113 connected to the inner side of the outer side plate 111. The top plate 112 and the support plate 113 are opposite to each other. The top plate 112, the outer side plate 111 and the support plate 113 together form an installation groove 114 for the edge of the laminate 200 to be inserted. The top plate 112 is provided with a guide hole 1120 that penetrates the outer side and the inner side along its own width direction.

[0055] The scraper 120 has the property of thermal expansion and contraction. The scraper 120 is installed on the lower surface of the top plate 112, and when heated and expanded, it protrudes or is flush with the inner side of the top plate 112. The lower side of the scraper 120 is used for the laminating component 200 to be inserted. Thus, after the laminating component 200 is inserted into the mounting groove 114, the scraper 120 abuts against the laminating component 200.

[0056] In this way, by installing a scraper 120 that can expand and contract with heat on the lower surface of the top plate 112 of the frame 110, the scraper 120 protrudes or is flush with the inner side of the top plate 112 when heated. Therefore, the dust accumulated between the laminate 200 and the frame 110 can be squeezed inward by the thermal expansion and contraction of the scraper 120. During rainfall, the dust is washed away by rainwater, and then discharged by the siphon effect through the through guide hole 1120 set on the top plate 112, thus achieving a self-cleaning function. This increases the cleanliness of the surface of the laminate 200 and ensures power generation efficiency. This can extend the cycle of manual dust cleaning. Moreover, the frame structure 100 is intact, and there is no need to remove the top plate 112 or redesign the pressure block, which reduces costs and ensures mechanical strength.

[0057] Understandably, after the laminate 200 is inserted into the mounting slot 114, the gap between the laminate 200 and the frame 110 is filled with sealant 300. The sealant 300 can be silicone, which ensures sealing while improving the connection strength and reliability between the laminate 200 and the entire frame structure 100.

[0058] refer to Figure 6One of the scraper blade 120 and the top plate 112 is provided with a mating recess 1121, and the other is provided with a mating protrusion 121. That is, the scraper blade 120 can form a mating protrusion 121, and the top plate 112 can form a mating recess 1121; or the scraper blade 120 can form a mating recess 1121, and the corresponding top plate 112 can form a mating protrusion 121. The mating recess 1121 and the mating protrusion 121 are connected and fixed, which can increase the contact area between the scraper blade 120 and the top plate 112, thereby improving the installation reliability of the scraper blade 120.

[0059] The number of mating recesses 1121 and mating protrusions 121 are both multiple, and they all extend along the length of the top plate 112 or the scraper 120, so that the upper surface of the scraper 120 and the lower surface of the top plate 112 are both undulating wave-like or sawtooth-like, further increasing the contact area between the scraper 120 and the top plate 112.

[0060] The connection method between the scraper 120 and the top plate 112 is not specifically limited. For example, in the embodiment shown in the figure, the protrusion 121 and the recess 1121 are interference-fitted with an interference amount of 0.2mm. In this way, the top surface of the scraper 120 is engaged with the lower surface of the top plate 112, one side is bonded to the outer side, and the bottom surface of the scraper 120 is bonded to the laminate 200.

[0061] In embodiments not shown, the scraper 120 and the top plate 112 may also be glued together.

[0062] Continue to refer to Figure 6 The side of the scraper 120 that faces away from the outer side plate 111 is the pushing side. The upper side of the pushing side is closer to the outer side plate 111 than the lower side. This is beneficial for the scraper 120 to push the ash inward during the thermal expansion and contraction process.

[0063] The push surface can be a flat surface, a concave arc surface, or a convex arc surface.

[0064] In detail, in the illustrated embodiment, the cross-section of the scraper 120 is a trapezoid with a narrower top and a wider bottom, so the pushing surface is an inclined surface. The upper surface of the scraper 120 has a width of 3mm, the lower surface has a width of 5mm, and the height is 2mm.

[0065] The 120 wiper blade has a Shore hardness of 50-70A, avoiding the defects of being too soft leading to easy wear and tear, or being too hard leading to scratches on the glass. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the 120 wiper blade is 160×10⁻⁶. -6 / ℃, specifically, EPDM rubber, polyurethane (PU), polyethylene (PE), etc. can be used, so it is easier to expand when heated, which is more conducive to the extrusion of dust.

[0066] The scraper 120 protrudes 0.5mm from the inner side of the top plate 112 so that the squeezed dust can be fully washed away by rainwater and carried out from the guide hole 1120. As for the few raindrops that are not completely discharged, they can evaporate under sunlight and will not remain on the laminate 200.

[0067] The axial direction of the guide hole 1120 is parallel to that of the laminate 200, which facilitates the rapid discharge of dust and other debris and rainwater from the laminate 200.

[0068] Continue to refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The top plate 112 is provided with multiple drainage holes 1120 arranged at intervals along its length to ensure that rainwater carrying dust and other debris can be quickly discharged. The spacing between two adjacent drainage holes 1120 is 5cm, which ensures that rainwater can be discharged quickly while avoiding the impact on structural strength due to excessively dense openings.

[0069] The guide hole 1120 is a combination of curved and flat surfaces or a polygonal hole, and at least one flat surface is parallel to the laminate 200; for example, it is a rectangle as shown in the figure, or it can be a semi-circular hole not shown in the figure, etc., as long as one flat surface is parallel to the laminate 200, so as to ensure that rainwater can quickly carry debris out of the guide hole 1120.

[0070] In addition, in some embodiments not shown, the flow guide hole 1120 may also be a circular hole, an elliptical hole, or a hole of other shapes.

[0071] In summary, this application discloses a photovoltaic module and its frame structure 100. Compared with the prior art, it can effectively reduce the frequency of manual cleaning of photovoltaic modules and is effective in cleaning dust in crevices. Experimental comparison shows that the frequency interval of manual cleaning is extended from 110 times per month in the prior art without A-side frame to 4-5 times per month in this application (a reduction of 50%). Through self-cleaning, the efficiency reduction caused by dust accumulation is controlled to within 1%, and the self-cleaning efficiency reaches over 95% after rainfall. On the other hand, this design does not require the use of special clamps, does not require any changes to the installation method, and also strengthens the mechanical strength of the photovoltaic module.

[0072] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A photovoltaic module frame structure, characterized in that, Includes a border (110) and a scraper (120); The frame (110) includes an outer side plate (111), a top plate (112) connected to the top edge of the outer side plate (111), and a support plate (113) connected to the inner side of the outer side plate (111). The top plate (112) and the support plate (113) are opposite to each other. The top plate (112), the outer side plate (111), and the support plate (113) together form a mounting groove (114) for the edge of the laminate (200) to be inserted. The top plate (112) is provided with a guide hole (1120) that penetrates the outer and inner sides along its own width direction. The scraper (120) has the property of thermal expansion and contraction. The scraper (120) is installed on the lower surface of the top plate (112) and protrudes or is flush with the inner side of the top plate (112) when heated and expanded. The lower side of the scraper (120) is used for the laminating component (200) to be installed.

2. The photovoltaic module frame structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the scraper (120) and the top plate (112) is provided with a mating recess (1121), and the other is provided with a mating protrusion (121). The mating recess (1121) and the mating protrusion (121) are connected and fixed.

3. The photovoltaic module frame structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mating protrusion (121) and the mating recess (1121) are interference fit with an interference amount of 0.2 mm. And / or, The number of the mating recesses (1121) and the mating protrusions (121) are both multiple, and they all extend along the length of the top plate (112) or the scraper (120), so that the upper surface of the scraper (120) and the lower surface of the top plate (112) are both undulating wave-like or sawtooth-like.

4. The photovoltaic module frame structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side of the scraper (120) facing away from the outer side plate (111) is a push surface, and the upper side of the push surface is closer to the outer side plate (111) than the lower side.

5. The photovoltaic module frame structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The pushing surface can be a flat surface, a concave arc surface, or a convex arc surface.

6. The photovoltaic module frame structure according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The cross-section of the scraper (120) is a trapezoid with a narrower top and a wider bottom. The upper surface of the scraper (120) is 3mm wide, the lower surface is 5mm wide, and the height is 2mm.

7. The photovoltaic module frame structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The scraper blade (120) has a Shore hardness of 50-70A and a coefficient of thermal expansion of 160×10⁻⁶. -6 / ℃; And / or, The scraper (120) protrudes 0.5 mm from the inner side of the top plate (112).

8. The photovoltaic module frame structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The axial direction of the flow guide hole (1120) is parallel to that of the laminate (200); And / or, The top plate (112) is provided with a plurality of guide holes (1120) arranged at intervals along its own length direction, and the distance between two adjacent guide holes (1120) is 5cm.

9. The photovoltaic module frame structure according to claim 1 or 8, characterized in that, The flow guide hole (1120) is a combination of curved surface and plane or a polygonal hole, and at least one plane is parallel to the laminate (200); or, The guide hole (1120) is a round hole.

10. A photovoltaic module, characterized in that, Includes a laminate (200) and a photovoltaic module frame structure as described in any one of claims 1-9; The laminate (200) is inserted into the mounting groove (114), and the scraper (120) is opposite to the laminate (200).

Images