Photovoltaic modules and panels, and the manufacturing process for such a module

Abstract

Photovoltaic Module and Panel and Method for Manufacturing Such a Module. Photovoltaic module comprising at least one pair of branches (P1 to P6) of photovoltaic cells (10a to 10j, 11a to 11j), each photovoltaic cell being configured to photogenerate charge carriers, each pair of branches (P1 to P6) comprising a first branch (B1) having several photovoltaic cells (10a to 10j), denoted first cells, electrically connected in series, and a second branch (B2) having several photovoltaic cells (11a to 11j), denoted second cells, electrically connected in series, characterized in that, for at least one pair of branches (P1 to P6), each cell of the first branch (B1) is further electrically connected in parallel with a cell of the second branch (B2). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Photovoltaic module and panel and method of manufacturing such a module Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a photovoltaic module. It also relates to a photovoltaic panel as well as the manufacture of photovoltaic modules. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Photovoltaic modules comprise several photovoltaic cells interconnected to form a unit also called a "photovoltaic chain". The modules are assembled together to form a photovoltaic panel. Photovoltaic panels can be fixed or mobile, and can be intended for both private individuals and industrial use. For example, the panels can be used for private housing, solar farms, motorway service areas or even in the space sector such as satellites or extraterrestrial missions.

[0003] However, shading a single cell can cause the entire panel to lose power. That is, when a cell no longer delivers power because it is shaded or damaged, the panel no longer delivers any power either.

[0004] For example, one solution is to add bypass diodes (also called "bypass" diodes in English) to limit the power loss of the panel. In this example, the cells are interconnected in series to form strings of cells, the strings are connected to each other in series, and a bypass diode is placed between two strings so that the two strings are also connected to each other in parallel. Thus, in normal operation the diode is blocked and the current flows in all the strings. Furthermore, when a cell no longer delivers power because it is shaded or damaged, the string to which it belongs no longer produces current and the diode becomes conductive to allow the flow of current in the other strings of cells. In this case, when a cell no longer produces current, the production of an entire branch is lost.

[0005] We can also cite the European patent EP0768720 B1, which discloses a photovoltaic module in which a bypass diode is coupled in parallel with each photovoltaic cell. But such a module is complex and expensive to manufacture. In addition, many diodes must be connected to the different strings of cells, and the malfunction of a single diode (open circuit) can lead to - a total loss of power of the panel.

[0006] Another example is to double the final voltage of the panel (the current being divided by two) by separating each cell into two parts. This results in a panel, with the same surface area as a standard panel, made up of several half-cells, and the half-cells are reconnected in series to form a string of half-cells. But the string of half-cells must also be connected via bypass diodes. An advantage of such a structure is that in the event of shading of a cell, the power loss is half as great (because the current is divided by two) as in the case of a conventional panel, i.e. a panel formed of strings of unseparated photovoltaic cells. Furthermore, linear shading caused, for example, by an electrical wire, a chimney, an antenna or a tree branch, can lead to the loss of all the power supplied by the panel.

[0007] An object of the present invention is therefore to propose a solution to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above, and in particular, to propose means for limiting the loss of production of electrical power supplied by a photovoltaic module which are simple and robust.

[0008] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. It is understood that other advantages may be incorporated. SUMMARY

[0009] To achieve this objective, a photovoltaic module is proposed, comprising at least one pair of branches of photovoltaic cells, each photovoltaic cell being configured to photo-generate charge carriers, each pair of branches comprising a first branch having several photovoltaic cells, denoted first cells, electrically coupled in series, and a second branch having several photovoltaic cells, denoted second cells, electrically coupled in series.

[0010] For at least one pair of branches, each cell of the first branch is further electrically coupled in parallel with a cell of the second branch.

[0011] Thus, the production of electrical power supplied by at least one branch of cells of the module is ensured, when a cell of another branch is shaded or damaged. Such a module is particularly simple and inexpensive to manufacture. Thus, with a simple wire connection, the current can be diverted from one branch to another. This provides a simplified and robust electrical energy production assembly.

[0012] According to another aspect, a photovoltaic panel is provided, comprising at least one photovoltaic module as defined above.

[0013] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing a photovoltaic module, comprising providing at least one pair of cell branches photovoltaic cells, each photovoltaic cell being configured to photo-generate charge carriers, and at least one pair of branches comprising a first branch having several cells, denoted first cells, electrically coupled in series, and a second branch having several cells, denoted second cells, electrically coupled in series.

[0014] The method comprises, for said at least one pair of branches, an electrical coupling in which each cell of the first branch is further electrically coupled in parallel with a cell of the second branch. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0015] The aims, objects, as well as the characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly from the detailed description of an embodiment thereof which is illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which:

[0016] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] schematically represents a view of an embodiment of a photovoltaic module;

[0017] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] schematically represents a simplified view of the mode of rea lization of [Fig.l] and for which only one pair of branches and ten cells per branch have been illustrated;

[0018] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] schematically represents a view of the photovoltaic module illustrated in [Fig.l], in the case where two photovoltaic cells are shaded;

[0019] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] schematically represents a view of the photovoltaic module illustrated in [Fig.l], in the case where several photovoltaic cells are shaded;

[0020] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] schematically represents a top view of a mode of rea lization of photovoltaic cells;

[0021] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] schematically represents a side view of the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.5];

[0022] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] schematically represents a top view of another mode of production of photovoltaic cells;

[0023] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] schematically represents a side view of the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.7];

[0024] [Fig.9]

[0025] [Fig. 10]

[0026] [Fig. 11]

[0027] [Fig. 12]

[0028] [Fig. 13]

[0029] [Fig. 14] Figures 9 to 14, schematically illustrate top views of the main stages of a method of implementing a manufacturing process for a photovoltaic module;

[0030] [Fig. 15] [Fig. 15] schematically represents a sectional view along line AA of the step illustrated in [Fig. 11];

[0031] [Fig. 16] [Fig. 16] schematically represents a sectional view along line BB of the step illustrated in [Fig. 12]; and

[0032] [Fig. 17] [Fig. 17] schematically represents a view of a photovoltaic panel.

[0033] The drawings are given as examples and are not limiting of the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate the understanding of the invention and are not necessarily on the scale of practical applications. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Before beginning a detailed review of embodiments and implementations of the invention, optional features which may possibly be used in combination or alternatively are set out below.

[0035] According to one example, the photovoltaic cells of the module are arranged in columns and rows so that the cells of the same branch are successively arranged on the same column and each branch has a single cell per row, and at least two cells belonging to a first branch and located on two given rows are electrically coupled in parallel with two cells belonging to a second branch and located on two other rows distinct from the two given rows.

[0036] This reduces the loss of current production when two neighboring cells on the same line are faulty, particularly when these two cells are shaded by a linear shadow.

[0037] According to one example, each cell belonging to a first branch and located on a given line is electrically coupled in parallel with a cell belonging to a second branch and located on a line distinct from the given line.

[0038] The energy production provided by a branch is guaranteed regardless of the position of the linear shading on two facing cells.

[0039] According to one example, the module comprises several pairs of branches electrically coupled in series.

[0040] According to one example, for said at least one pair of branches, the number of cells of the first branch is identical to the number of cells of the second branch.

[0041] According to one example, for said at least one pair of branches, a cell of the first branch and a cell of the second branch located on the same given line correspond respectively to two parts of the same physically separated photovoltaic cell.

[0042] According to one example, for said at least one pair of branches, each cell of the first branch and each cell of the second branch located on the same given line correspond respectively to two parts of the same physically separated photovoltaic cell.

[0043] According to one example, for said at least one branch, each photovoltaic cell comprises a first electrically conductive structure of a first polarity located on a first face of the photovoltaic cell and a second electrically conductive structure of a second polarity located on a second face of the photovoltaic cell opposite the first face.

[0044] According to one example, for said at least one branch, each photovoltaic cell comprises a first electrically conductive structure of a first polarity and a second electrically conductive structure of a second polarity, the first and second structures being located on the same face of the photovoltaic cell.

[0045] According to one example, the module comprises, for each first cell of a first branch, a pair of electrical connections electrically coupled in parallel with a second cell of a second branch, each pair of electrical connections comprising at least one electrical connection having a first portion electrically coupled to a terminal of the first cell, a second portion electrically coupled to a terminal of the second cell and an intermediate portion electrically coupled to the first and second portions, the first and second portions extending parallel to the lines.

[0046] According to one example, the intermediate portions extend perpendicular to the first and second portions.

[0047] According to one example, the intermediate portions are formed on a first layer of a first insulating substrate, the first and second portions are formed on a second layer of a second insulating substrate, and the first and second portions are coupled to the intermediate portions by electrically conductive vias passing through the first and second layers.

[0048] According to one example, the photovoltaic cells of the module are arranged in columns and rows so that the cells of the same branch are successively arranged on the same column and each branch has a single cell per row, and the electrical coupling comprises at least two cells belonging to a first branch and located on two given rows electrically coupled in parallel with two cells belonging to a second branch and located on two other rows distinct from the two given rows.

[0049] According to one example, the supply comprises a physical separation of at least one same photovoltaic cell so as to obtain a first cell belonging to the first branch and a second cell belonging to the second branch, the first cell and the second cell being located on the same given line.

[0050] In Figures 1, 3; 4, and 17, a photovoltaic module 1 to 4 is shown comprising several photovoltaic cells 10a to 10j; 11a to 11j. Each photovoltaic cell 10a to 10j, 11a to 11j is configured to photo-generate charge carriers. That is to say, a photovoltaic cell 10a to 10j, 11a to 11j converts a portion of the light radiation into electrical energy. For this purpose, a photovoltaic cell comprises a substrate 6 configured to generate, upon receipt of the light radiation, charges free to move and intended to be collected to produce an electric current. In general, the photovoltaic cells 10a to 10j, 11a to 11j are electrically coupled together to produce a current. A photovoltaic module 1 to 4 produces a current to provide an electrical power which depends, in particular, on the number of cells 10a to 10j, 1 la to 1 Ij of the module 1 to 4.Furthermore, a photovoltaic panel 5 comprises one or more modules 1 to 4. In [Fig. 17] a photovoltaic panel 5 is shown comprising, for example, four photovoltaic modules 1 to 4.

[0051] More particularly, a photovoltaic module 1 to 4 comprises at least one pair PI to P6 of branches B1, B2 of photovoltaic cells 10a to 10j; 11a to 11j, and 30. Generally, a branch B1, B2 comprises several cells 10a to 10j, 11a to 11j electrically coupled together in series. In particular, each pair of branches PI to P6 comprises a first branch B1 having several photovoltaic cells 10a to 10j, denoted first cells, and a second branch B2 having several photovoltaic cells 11a to 11j, denoted second cells. For example, FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 show a module 1 comprising six pairs of branches PI to P6 of cells. In this example, each branch B1, B2 comprises ten cells and the module 1 comprises 120 photovoltaic cells 10a to 10j; lia to 1 Ij.For the sake of simplification, the first ten cells of the first branch B1 of the first pair of branches PI have been referenced by the references 10a to 10j. The second ten cells of the second branch B2 of the first pair of branches PI have also been referenced by the references 11a to 11j. The other photovoltaic cells of module 1 are not referenced. Furthermore, only the branches of the first pair of branches PI are referenced by the references B1, B2.

[0052] More particularly, the cells 10a to 10j of a first branch B1 are electrically coupled in series, for example by a first electrically conductive connection C1, denoted main connection. The cells 11a to 11j of a second branch B2 are electrically coupled in series, for example by a second electrically conductive connection C2, denoted secondary connection. The main and secondary connections C1, C2 may be metallization strips. including aluminum.

[0053] Preferably, a module 1 to 4 comprises several pairs of branches PI to P6 electrically coupled in series. In this case, the first cells 10a to 10j of each first branch B1 are electrically coupled in series by the same first connection Cl, as illustrated in [Fig. 1]. Thus, in the case where the module 1 comprises six pairs of branches PI to P6, the module 1 further comprises a main connection Cl and six secondary connections C2.

[0054] In particular, for at least one pair of branches PI, each cell 10a to 10j of the first branch B1 is further electrically coupled in parallel with a cell 11a to 11j of the second branch B2.

[0055] The electrical coupling of two cells in parallel can be achieved using electrical connections, for example wires or metallized strips. Thus, in the event of a fault in a cell of the first branch B1, the current supplied by the module 1 can flow through the other cell to which the faulty cell is coupled in parallel. Here, a “faulty” cell is understood to mean a cell that no longer produces current due to shading or deterioration of the cell. Thus, using a simple electrical connection in parallel, the total power supplied by the module is avoided due to a fault in a single cell of the module. It is also avoided to use a bypass diode which is expensive, complex to connect, and which can also cause untimely short circuits due to malfunction of the bypass diode.

[0056] Furthermore, the photovoltaic cells 10a to 10j, 11a to 11j and 30 of a module 1 to 4 are arranged according to columns 10 to 21 and rows a to j so that the cells of the same branch B1, B2 are successively arranged on the same column 10 to 21. Furthermore, each branch B1, B2 has a single cell per row a to j, and at least two cells 10a to 10j belonging to a first branch B1 and located on two given rows a to j are electrically coupled in parallel with two cells 11a to 11j belonging to a second branch B2 and located on two other rows a to j distinct from the two given rows a to j. In the example illustrated in [Fig.l], module 1 comprises twelve branches B1, B2, comprising cells arranged in twelve columns 10 to 21. In addition, module 1 comprises ten rows a to j of cells.Thus, the first cell of the first branch B1 of the first pair of branches PI is located on the first row a, and has the reference 10a because this cell belongs to the first column 10 and is located on the first row a. It will also be noted that, for example, the tenth cell of the second branch B2 of the first pair of branches PI is located on the tenth row j, and has the reference 1 Ij because it belongs to the second column 11 and is located on the tenth row j. The direction of the current has also been represented by the reference In. In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.l], . the current flows in the module 1 between the first cell 10a and the first cell 20a of the eleventh column 20 located on the first row a. Generally, the reference of a cell bears the column number 10 to 21 to which the cell belongs and the letter of the row a to j where the cell is located.

[0057] Thus, by coupling two neighboring cells, that is to say two cells located on the same given line a to j, each in parallel with another cell located on a line distinct from the given line a to j, prevents linear shading on the given line from stopping the total power production of the module 1 to 4.

[0058] Preferably, each cell 10a to 10j belonging to a first branch B1 and located on a given line a to j is electrically coupled in parallel with a cell 11a to 11j belonging to a second branch B2 and located on a line a to j distinct from the given line a to j. More preferably, the first and second branches B1, B2 belong to the same pair of branches P1 to P6, in order, in particular, to reduce the length of the electrical connections used to electrically couple the cells in parallel.

[0059] In [Fig.2], an embodiment of a pair of PI branches is shown. In In particular, an embodiment of the electrical connections CCI to CCI 1, also referred to as coupling connections, is shown, configured to electrically couple the first cells 10a to 10j of the first branch B1 in parallel with the second cells 11a to 11j of the second branch B2. According to this embodiment, the first branch B1 comprises ten cells 10a to 10j electrically coupled in series by the main connection C1, and the second branch B2 comprises ten cells 11a to 11j electrically coupled in series by the secondary connection C2. The main connection C1 is intended to be coupled to another pair of branches P2 to P6. In particular, the main connection C1 electrically couples in series the first two branches B1 of two pairs of branches P1 to P6.

[0060] Furthermore, the cell 10a belonging to the first branch B1 and located on the first line a is electrically coupled in parallel with the cell 1 Ij belonging to the second branch B2 and located on the tenth line j, via a first pair of coupling connections CCI, CC2. The cell 10b belonging to the first branch Bl and located on the second line b is electrically coupled in parallel with the cell 1 li belonging to the second branch B2 and located on the ninth line j, via a second pair of coupling connections CC2, CC3.Furthermore, the other eight cells 10c to 10j belonging to the first branch B1 and located on the other eight respective lines c to j are respectively electrically coupled in parallel with the other eight cells 11h to 11a belonging to the second branch B2 and located respectively on the other eight lines h to a, via eight other pairs of respective coupling connections CC3 to . CC11.

[0061] In particular, each cell 10a to 10j, 11a to 11j of the module 1 to 4 comprises two electrical terminals a+, a- between which the cell supplies a current and a voltage. In particular, the two terminals a+, a- have two opposite polarities when a current flows between these two terminals a+, a-. The paralleling of two cells consists of connecting the two electrical terminals of the same polarity to each other. Thus, each pair of coupling connections CCI to CC11 comprises two electrical connections for coupling the two electrical terminals of the cells to each other. Furthermore, it will be noted that each pair of coupling connections CCI to CCI 1 have an electrical connection in common, that is to say that the module 1 comprises, per pair of branches P1 to P6, eleven coupling connections CCI to CC11.

[0062] In the case of module 1 illustrated in [Fig.l], module 1 comprises 120 cells. If, for example, each cell of module 1 is configured to supply a current of 2.5 A with a voltage of 0.6 V, then each cell produces, in normal operation, an electrical power equal to 1.5 W. In this case, each branch B1, B2 supplies an electrical power equal to 10*1.5 W = 15 W. Furthermore, each pair of branches P1 to P6 supplies a power of 2*15 W = 30 W. In this case, when all cells 10a to 10j, 11a to 11 of module 1 operate normally, module 1 supplies a power of 6*30 W = 180 W. It will be noted that two cells electrically coupled in parallel form a cell stage, and a pair of branches P1 to P6 comprises ten stages coupled together in series. In this configuration, each stage carries the same current. Thus, when all cells are operating normally, each stage carries a current equal to 2*2.5 = 5A..

[0063] [Fig. 3] shows the module 1, illustrated in [Fig. 1], for which, in particular, the cell 10h is electrically coupled in parallel with the cell 11e, and the cell 11h adjacent to the cell 10h is electrically coupled in parallel with the cell 10c. [Fig. 3] also shows the case where the two adjacent cells 10h, 11h are faulty. In this case, the cell 10h no longer produces current, and the cell 11e operates and produces at best a current of 2.5 A. Furthermore, the cell 11h no longer produces current and the cell 10c operates and produces at best a current of 2.5 A. In this case, the current is not prevented from flowing in the pair of branches PI, and it flows in each of the first and second branches B1, B2. Furthermore, since the pair of PI branches comprises two stages each producing a current at best equal to 2.5 A, then each stage of the pair of PI branches is traversed at best by a current of 2.5 A.Thus, the pair of PI branches provides a power equal to 2.5 A*0.6 V*10 (because ten stages) = 15 W. In comparison with module 1 in normal operation for which the pair of PI branches provides a power of 30 W, we have therefore lost 15 W / 180 W = 8.33% of power.

[0064] In [Fig.4], we have shown the case where a linear shading is located partly on two lines g, h, and in this case seven cells 10h to 16h on the eighth line h are faulty, and five cells 16g to 20g on the seventh line g are faulty. In this case, each pair of branches PI to P6 provides at best a power of 6*15 W = 90 W and we lose an electrical power production of 90 W / 180 W = 50%. We will also note that if half of the cells of module 1, located on the last five lines f to j, are faulty, we only lose a production of 50% instead of 100% loss for a standard wired module.

[0065] Preferably, the number of cells 10a to 10j of the first branch B1 is identical to the number of cells 11a to 11j of the second branch B2.

[0066] Furthermore, different types of photovoltaic cells 10a to 10j, 11a to 11j can be used to produce a module 1. For example, a module 1 can comprise cells of the standard STD type. A standard STD cell comprises a first electrically conductive structure 30 of a first polarity located on a first face F1 of the standard STD photovoltaic cell and a second electrically conductive structure 31 of a second polarity located on a second face F2 of the standard STD photovoltaic cell opposite the first face F1. Figures 5 and 6 show three photovoltaic cells 10a to 10c of the standard STD type electrically coupled in series by the main connection C1.

[0067] According to another example, a module 1 may comprise photovoltaic cells 10a to 10j, 11a to 11j of the type with interdigitated contacts on the rear face (or IBC, according to the acronym in English, i.e. “Interdigitated Back Contact”). A photovoltaic cell of the IBC type comprises a first electrically conductive structure 30 of a first polarity and a second electrically conductive structure 31 of a second polarity, the first and second structures 30, 31 being located on the same main face F2 of the photovoltaic cell of the IBC type. Figures 7 and 8 show three photovoltaic cells 10a to 10c of the IBC type electrically coupled in series.

[0068] The IBC type cells have the advantage of having their electrically conductive structures 30, 31 located on the same main face F2, which makes it possible to eliminate the shading of a structure 30, 31 on the opposite face F1, called the active face or secondary face.

[0069] According to another embodiment, a cell 10a to 10j of the first branch B1 and a cell 11a to 11j of the second branch B2 located on the same given line a to j correspond respectively to two parts of the same physically separated photovoltaic cell. Preferably, each cell 10a to 10j of the first branch B1 and each cell 11a to 11j of the second branch B2 located on the same given line a to j correspond respectively to two parts of the same photovoltaic cell. physically separated voltaic.

[0070] Preferably, the same photovoltaic cell, intended to be separated into two parts, is of the standard STD type. Thus, it is possible to manufacture a module 1 of the same size as a standard module having a size adapted to photovoltaic cells of the standard STD type having a given size, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. By separating each cell of the standard STD type into two parts to produce the pairs of branches PI to P6 as defined above, the size of the modules 1 to 4, nor their weight, is increased.

[0071] In [Fig. 14], another embodiment of a pair of branches PI of a module 1 to 4 is shown. In this other embodiment, a module 1 to 4 comprises, for each first cell 10a to 10j of a first branch B1, a pair of electrical connections CCI to CC11 electrically coupled in parallel with a second cell 11a to 11j of a second branch B2. Each pair of electrical connections CCI to CC11 comprises at least one electrical connection CCI to CC11 having a first portion 60 electrically coupled to a terminal of the first cell 10a to 10j, a second portion 61 electrically coupled to a terminal of the second cell 11a to 11j and an intermediate portion 62 electrically coupled to the first and second portions 60, 61. For example, the first and second portions 60, 61 extend parallel to the lines a to j. For example, a CC6 electrical connection may comprise a single first part 60.

[0072] According to another example, the intermediate parts 62 extend perpendicular to the first and second parts 60, 61.

[0073] In Figures 11, 12 and 15, 16, another embodiment is shown, in which the intermediate portions 62 are formed on a first layer 70 of a first insulating substrate, as illustrated in Figures 11 and 15, the first and second portions 60, 61 are formed on a second layer 71 of a second insulating substrate, as illustrated in Figures 12 and 16, and the first and second portions 60, 61 are coupled to the intermediate portions 62 by electrically conductive vias 72 passing through the first and second layers 70, 71. For example, the first and second portions 60, 61 and the intermediate portions 62 may be produced by screen printing on the first and second layers 70, 71. The first and second layers 70, 71 may be obtained from a flexible substrate, for example a printed circuit (or printed circuit board, PCB in English).Printed circuit boards are electrically insulating and are suitable for making electrical connections on multiple layers. In addition, printed circuit boards allow easy connection of components, such as photovoltaic cells 10a to 10j, 11a to 1 Ij. .

[0074] Figures 9 to 14 show the main steps of a method of fa brication of a photovoltaic module 1 to 4 as defined above. The method comprises providing at least one pair of branches P1 to P6 of photovoltaic cells 10a to 10j, 11a to 11j, as illustrated in [Fig. 10]. Each cell 10a to 10j, 11a to 11j may be a photovoltaic cell of the standard STD type. For example, each cell 10a to 10j, 11a to 11j may be a photovoltaic cell of the IBC type. Preferably, each cell 10a to 10j, 11a to 11j corresponds to a part of a cell of the standard STD type, also called a half-cell. The half-cells are obtained by physically separating the same photovoltaic cell of the standard STD type, as illustrated in [Fig. 9]. Physical separation may involve cutting the cells with a laser, followed by separation into two parts, for example by cleavage.Thus, the physical separation of the cells of the standard STD type makes it possible to obtain, from each of the cells of the standard STD type, a first cell 10a to 10j belonging to the first branch B1 and a second cell 11a to 11j belonging to the second branch B2, as illustrated in [Fig. 10].

[0075] In particular, two half-cells are obtained, each half-cell being configured to deliver the same voltage as the whole cell. Furthermore, the current supplied by a half-cell corresponds to half the current supplied by the whole cell. According to another example, a cell, called a whole cell, can be physically separated into several parts, for example into three, four, etc. Each half-cell will deliver the same voltage as the whole cell and will provide a current divided by the number of physical separations. However, the more the number of separations increases, the more the number of connections to be made increases. Thus, by dividing a whole cell in two, the number of connections to be made is minimized.

[0076] Then, the first cells 10a to 10j are electrically coupled in series by the main connection C1 and the second cells 11a to 11j are electrically coupled in series by the secondary connection C2. Then, the method comprises an electrical coupling in which each cell 10a to 10j of the first branch B1 is further electrically coupled in parallel with a cell 11a to 11j of the second branch B2. For example, the electrical coupling comprises a formation of the intermediate portions 62 on the first layer 70 of a first insulating substrate, as illustrated in [Fig. 11]. Then, the electrical coupling comprises a formation of the first and second portions 60, 61 on the second layer 71 of a second insulating substrate, as illustrated in [Fig. 12]. Then, as illustrated in [Fig. 13], we can arrange the cells 10a to 10j, 11a to 11j of the branch pair PI on the first layer 70. Then, as illustrated in [Fig.14], the second layer 71 is placed in contact with the first layer 70, to produce the coupling connections CCI, CCI 1.

Claims

Claims

1. Photovoltaic module, comprising at least one pair of branches (PI to P6) of photovoltaic cells (10a to 10j, 11a to 11j), each photovoltaic cell being configured to photo-generate charge carriers, each pair of branches (PI to P6) comprising a first branch (B1) having several photovoltaic cells (10a to 10j), denoted first cells, electrically coupled in series, and a second branch (B2) having several photovoltaic cells (11a to 11j), denoted second cells, electrically coupled in series, characterized in that, for at least one pair of branches (PI to P6), each cell of the first branch (B1) is further electrically coupled in parallel with a cell of the second branch (B2).

2. Module according to the preceding claim, in which the photovoltaic cells (10a to 10j, 11a to 11j) of the module are arranged in columns (10 to 21) and rows (a to j) so that the cells of the same branch (B1, B2) are successively arranged on the same column (10 to 21) and each branch (B1, B2) has a single cell per row (a to j), and at least two cells (10a to 10j) belonging to a first branch (B1) and located on two given rows are electrically coupled in parallel with two cells (11a to 11j) belonging to a second branch (B2) and located on two other rows distinct from the two given rows.

3. Module according to the preceding claim, in which each cell (10a to 10j) belonging to a first branch (Bl) and located on a given line (a to j) is electrically coupled in parallel with a cell (11a to 11j) belonging to a second branch (B2) and located on a line distinct from the given line (a to j).

4. Module according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising several pairs of branches (PI to P6) electrically coupled in series.

5. Module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, for said at least one pair of branches (P1 to P6), the number of cells of the first branch (B1) is identical to the number of cells of the second branch (B2).

6. Module according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein, for said at least one pair of branches (P1 to P6), a cell (10a to 10j) of the first branch (B1) and a cell (11a to 11j) of the second branch (B2) located on the same given line (a to j) correspond respectively to two parts of the same physically separated photovoltaic cell.

7. Module according to the preceding claim, in which, for said at least one pair of branches (PI to P6), each cell (10a to 10j) of the first branch (B1) and each cell (11a to 11j) of the second branch (B2) located on the same given line (a to j) correspond respectively to two parts of the same physically separated photovoltaic cell.

8. Module according to any one of the preceding claims, in which, for said at least one branch (PI to P6), each photovoltaic cell comprises a first electrically conductive structure (30) of a first polarity located on a first face (F1) of the photovoltaic cell and a second electrically conductive structure (31) of a second polarity located on a second face (F2) of the photovoltaic cell opposite the first face (F1).

9. Module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which, for said at least one branch (PI to P6), each photovoltaic cell comprises a first electrically conductive structure (30) of a first polarity and a second electrically conductive structure (31) of a second polarity, the first and second structures (30, 31) being located on the same face (F2) of the photovoltaic cell.

10. Module according to any one of claims 2 to 9, comprising, for each first cell (10a to 10j) of a first branch (B1), a pair of electrical connections (CCI to CC11) electrically coupled in parallel with a second cell (11a to 11j) of a second branch (B2), each pair of electrical connections (CCI to CCI 1) comprising at least one electrical connection (CCI to CCI 1) having a first portion (60) electrically coupled to a terminal of the first cell (10a to 10j), a second portion (61) electrically coupled to a terminal of the second cell (11a to 11j) and an intermediate portion (62) electrically coupled to the first and second portions (60, 61), the first and second portions (60, 61) extending parallel to the lines (a to j).

11. Module according to the preceding claim, in which the intermediate parts (62) extend perpendicular to the first and second parts (60, 61).

12. A module according to any one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the intermediate portions (62) are formed on a first layer (70) of a first insulating substrate, the first and second portions (60, 61) are formed on a second layer (71) of a second insulating substrate, and the first and second portions (60, 61) are coupled to the intermediate portions (62) by electrically conductive vias (72) passing through the first and second layers (70, 71).

13. Photovoltaic panel, comprising at least one photovoltaic module (1 to 4) according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. A method of manufacturing a photovoltaic module, comprising: • a supply of at least one pair of branches (P1 to P6) of photovoltaic cells (10a to 10j, 11a to 11j), each photovoltaic cell being configured to photo-generate charge carriers, and at least one pair of branches (P1 to P6) comprising a first branch (B1) having several cells (10a to 10j), denoted first cells, electrically coupled in series, and a second branch (B2) having several cells (11a to 11j), denoted second cells, electrically coupled in series, characterized in that the method comprises, for said at least one pair of branches (P1 to P6), an electrical coupling in which each cell (10a to 10j) of the first branch (B1) is further electrically coupled in parallel with a cell (11a to 11j) of the second branch (B2).

15. Method according to the preceding claim, in which the photovoltaic cells (10a to 10j, 11a to 11j) of the module are arranged in columns (10 to 21) and rows (a to j) so that the cells of the same branch (B1, B2) are successively arranged on the same column (10 to 21) and each branch (B1, B2) has a single cell per row (a to j), and the electrical coupling comprises at least two cells (10a to 10j) belonging to a first branch (B1) and located on two given rows electrically coupled in parallel with two cells (11a to 11j) belonging to a second branch (B2) and located on two other rows distinct from the two given rows.

16. A method according to the preceding claim, wherein the provision comprises a physical separation of at least one same photovoltaic cell so as to obtain a first cell (10a to 10j) belonging to the first branch (B 1) and a second cell (11a to 1 Ij) belonging to the second branch (B2), the first cell (10a to 10j) and the second cell (11a to 1 Ij) being located on the same given line.

Images