Solar cell module design system, method for designing solar cell module, and program

Abstract

To provide a solar cell module design system capable of easily designing a solar cell module satisfying both design strength and output performance.SOLUTION: A solar cell module design system 1 according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a glass sheet selection section 31 selecting a glass sheet based on required design strength; a photovoltaic power generation cell selection section 32 selecting a photovoltaic power generation cell based on required output performance of a solar cell module; a thermal-optical properties calculation section 33 using data stored in a database 30 and calculating thermal-optical properties of the solar cell module that comprises the selected glass sheet and the selected photovoltaic power generation cell; and a change section 34 which, when calculation results of the thermal-optical properties do not satisfy predetermined conditions, gives instructions, to at least one of the glass plate selection section 31 and the photovoltaic power generation cell selection section 32, so as to provide a candidate for changing at least one of the glass sheet used in the solar cell module and the photovoltaic power generation cell.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a solar cell module design system, a solar cell module design method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the use of solar cell modules equipped with photovoltaic power generation cells has been promoted in order to utilize natural energy. In particular, solar cell modules equipped with photovoltaic power generation cells inside laminated glass have been widely used.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique relating to a glass building material in which a plurality of photovoltaic cells are arranged between two glass plates. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 056286 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Glass building materials with photovoltaic cells arranged in them are required to meet the design strength required for building materials and the output performance (power generation amount) required for solar cell modules. Therefore, when designing a solar cell module, it is necessary to design it so that it meets both the design strength and output performance.

[0006] However, in order to design a solar cell module that satisfies these two conditions, it is necessary to take into account the performance of the glass plates and solar cells used, which makes the design of the solar cell module complicated.

[0007] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a solar cell module design system, a solar cell module design method, and a program that can easily design a solar cell module that satisfies both design strength and output performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A solar cell module design system, a solar cell module design method, and a program according to one aspect of the present invention are as follows.

[0009] [1] A design system for a solar cell module including a glass plate and a solar photovoltaic cell, a glass plate selection unit that selects a glass plate to be used in the solar cell module from a plurality of glass plates based on a required design strength; a photovoltaic cell selection unit that selects a photovoltaic cell to be used in the photovoltaic module from a plurality of photovoltaic cells based on a required output performance of the photovoltaic module; a thermo-optical property calculation unit that calculates thermo-optical properties of a solar cell module configured with the selected glass plate and the selected photovoltaic cell using data on the properties of each of the plurality of glass plates and data on the properties of each of the plurality of photovoltaic cells stored in a database; a change unit that instructs at least one of the glass plate selection unit and the photovoltaic cell selection unit to present candidates for changing at least one of the glass plate and the photovoltaic cell used in the solar cell module when the calculation result of the thermo-optical properties does not satisfy a predetermined condition, Solar cell module design system.

[0010] [2] The solar cell module design system according to [1], wherein the data relating to the characteristics of each of the plurality of glass plates includes at least one of the type, thickness, tempering classification, strength data, insulation data, and optical data of the glass plate.

[0011] [3] The solar cell module design system according to [1] or [2], wherein the data relating to the characteristics of each of the plurality of solar photovoltaic cells includes at least one of the type, shape, size, power generation amount, insulation data, and optical data of the solar photovoltaic cell.

[0012] [4] The solar cell module design system according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the thermo-optical property calculation unit calculates at least one of a shading coefficient, a solar heat gain coefficient, a normal heat transfer coefficient, a visible light transmittance, an aperture ratio, and an infrared transmittance of the solar cell module.

[0013] [5] The solar cell module design system according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein, after the solar cell is selected, the solar cell selection unit automatically determines the number of the solar cell required for the solar cell module based on the size of the selected glass plate, the type of the selected solar cell, and the required output performance of the solar cell module.

[0014] [6] [4] The solar cell module design system according to [4], wherein, when it is necessary to lower the solar heat gain coefficient, the change unit instructs at least one of the glass plate selection unit and the solar cell selection unit to increase at least one of the number of solar photovoltaic cells and the area of ​​the solar photovoltaic cells, to use Low-E glass for at least one of the plurality of glass plates, and / or to increase the thickness of at least one of the plurality of glass plates.

[0015] [7] [4] The solar cell module design system according to [4], wherein the change unit instructs the solar cell selection unit to reduce the number of solar power generation cells and / or change the solar power generation cells to solar power generation cells with higher transmittance when it is necessary to increase the visible light transmittance.

[0016] [8] the glass sheets are laminated glass having a first glass sheet, a second glass sheet, and an intermediate adhesive film disposed between the first glass sheet and the second glass sheet; the photovoltaic cell is disposed between the first glass plate and the second glass plate; the glass plate selection unit is configured to be able to select at least one of the first glass plate, the second glass plate, and the intermediate adhesive film; when the calculation result of the thermo-optical properties does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the change unit instructs at least one of the glass plate selection unit and the photovoltaic cell selection unit to present candidates for changing at least one of the first glass plate, the second glass plate, the intermediate adhesive film, and the photovoltaic cell. The solar cell module design system according to any one of [1] to [7].

[0017] [9] the glass plates are double-glazed glass plates including a first glass plate, a second glass plate, an intermediate adhesive film disposed between the first glass plate and the second glass plate, and a third glass plate disposed via a space from the second glass plate; the photovoltaic cell is disposed between the first glass plate and the second glass plate; the glass plate selection unit is configured to be able to select at least one of the first glass plate, the second glass plate, the third glass plate, the intermediate adhesive film, and the space; when the calculation result of the thermo-optical properties does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the change unit instructs at least one of the glass plate selection unit and the photovoltaic cell selection unit to present candidates for changing at least one of the first glass plate, the second glass plate, the third glass plate, the intermediate adhesive film, the space, and the photovoltaic cell. The solar cell module design system according to any one of [1] to [7].

[0018]

[10] A method for designing a solar cell module including a glass plate and a solar power generation cell, comprising: selecting a glass plate to be used in the solar cell module from a plurality of glass plates based on a required design strength; selecting a photovoltaic cell to be used in the solar cell module from among a plurality of photovoltaic cells based on the required output performance of the solar cell module; calculating thermo-optical properties of a solar cell module composed of the selected glass plate and the selected solar cell using data on the properties of each of the plurality of glass plates and data on the properties of each of the plurality of solar cell stored in a database; and when the calculation result of the thermo-optical properties does not satisfy a predetermined condition, performing at least one of the steps of selecting the glass plate and selecting the photovoltaic cell again so as to present candidates for changing at least one of the glass plate and the photovoltaic cell used in the solar cell module. How to design a solar module.

[0019]

[11] A program for designing a solar cell module including a glass plate and a solar cell, selecting a glass plate to be used in the solar cell module from a plurality of glass plates based on a required design strength; A process of selecting a photovoltaic power generation cell to be used in the photovoltaic module from a plurality of photovoltaic power generation cells based on the required output performance of the photovoltaic module; a process of calculating the thermo-optical characteristics of a solar cell module composed of the selected glass plate and the selected solar cell using data on the characteristics of each of the plurality of glass plates and data on the characteristics of each of the plurality of solar cell stored in a database; and a process of re-executing at least one of a process of selecting the glass plate and a process of selecting the photovoltaic cell so as to present candidates for changing at least one of the glass plate and the photovoltaic cell used in the solar cell module when the calculation result of the thermo-optical properties does not satisfy predetermined conditions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] The present invention can provide a solar cell module design system, a solar cell module design method, and a program that can easily design a solar cell module that satisfies both the design strength and output performance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of a solar cell module. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a solar cell module. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the configuration of the solar cell module. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a solar cell module design system according to an embodiment; [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the solar cell module design system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a solar cell module design system according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, a solar cell module designed using a solar cell module design system according to an embodiment will be described. Below, as configuration examples of solar cell modules, a solar cell module configured using laminated glass and a solar cell module configured using double glazing will be described. Note that the solar cell module design system according to this embodiment can also be used to design solar cell modules having configurations other than these.

[0023] <Laminated glass> A solar cell module constructed using laminated glass will be described below. Figures 1 and 2 are a front view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, showing an example of the construction of a solar cell module.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a solar cell module 10 constructed using laminated glass includes a first glass plate 11, a second glass plate 12, an intermediate adhesive film 13, and a solar cell 15. The first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12 are translucent plate-shaped glass. In this embodiment, at least one of the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12 may be made of a resin material. In this embodiment, the solar cell module 10 (laminated glass) can be suitably used as a building material such as a glass window in a building.

[0025] The thickness of each of the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12 is, for example, 2 mm or more and 12 mm or less. For example, chemically strengthened glass may be used as the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12. When chemically strengthened glass is used, the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12 can be made lighter while maintaining their strength. Furthermore, in this embodiment, air-cooled tempered glass may be used as the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12. For example, the first glass plate 11 is disposed on the outdoor side of the building, and the second glass plate 12 is disposed inside the building. In this case, the first glass plate 11 is disposed on the light-receiving side of the photovoltaic cell 15, and the second glass plate 12 is disposed on the non-light-receiving side of the photovoltaic cell 15.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 2, the intermediate adhesive film 13 is disposed between the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12, and bonds the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12 together. For example, when forming a solar cell module 10, the first glass plate 11, the intermediate adhesive film 13, the solar cell 15, the intermediate adhesive film 13, and the second glass plate 12 are laminated in this order, and the laminate is heated and pressurized to bond them together, thereby forming the solar cell module 10. At this time, the intermediate adhesive films 13 disposed on both sides of the solar cell 15 in the thickness direction are heated and melted, so that the completed solar cell module 10 consists of a single layer of intermediate adhesive film 13.

[0027] The thickness of the intermediate adhesive film 13 is, for example, 0.38 mm or more and 4.56 mm or less. The intermediate adhesive film 13 may be made of EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer) resin, PVB (polyvinyl butyral) resin, ionomer resin, COP (cycloolefin polymer), polyurethane, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), POE (polyolefin elastomer), TPO (olefin-based thermoplastic elastomer), or the like. The intermediate adhesive film 13 may also be made of a combination of these materials.

[0028] The photovoltaic cells 15 are provided between the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12. Specifically, the photovoltaic cells 15 are encapsulated inside an intermediate adhesive film 13 provided between the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12. As shown in FIG. 1, the photovoltaic cells 15 are arranged in an array in the horizontal and vertical directions when the solar cell module 10 is viewed in a plan view. FIG. 1 shows, as an example, a configuration in which a plurality of photovoltaic cells 15 are arranged in an array of four cells in the horizontal direction and six cells in the vertical direction (i.e., a 4×6 array). Note that the configuration shown in FIG. 1 is just an example, and the number of photovoltaic cells 15 to be arranged in the horizontal and vertical directions can be determined as desired.

[0029] The photovoltaic cells 15 can be configured using photovoltaic cells of silicon-based single crystal type, silicon-based polycrystalline type, amorphous silicon type, thin film silicon type, CIGS type, organic thin film type, dye-sensitized type, perovskite type, or the like. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, each photovoltaic cell 15 has a rectangular shape. For example, each photovoltaic cell 15 may have a square, rectangular, or circular shape. Furthermore, for example, a monofacial photovoltaic cell may be used as the photovoltaic cell 15. In this case, the photovoltaic cell 15 is arranged so that the light-receiving surface faces outward (toward the first glass plate 11). Furthermore, a bifacial photovoltaic cell may be used as the photovoltaic cell 15.

[0030] The photovoltaic power generation cells 15 inside the solar cell module 10 are connected to each other by interconnectors (not shown). Furthermore, the power generated by the solar cell module 10 is extracted using bus bar wiring (not shown). The bus bar wiring is connected to a terminal box (not shown) provided around the solar cell module 10.

[0031] <Double glazing> Next, a solar cell module constructed using double-glazing will be described. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a solar cell module. As shown in Fig. 3, a solar cell module 20 constructed using double-glazing comprises a first glass plate 11, a second glass plate 12, an intermediate adhesive film 13, a photovoltaic cell 15, a third glass plate 21, and a space 22. In other words, the solar cell module 20 constructed using double-glazing has a configuration in which the third glass plate 21 and the space 22 are added to the solar cell module 10 shown in Fig. 2. Note that the same components as those in the solar cell module 10 shown in Fig. 2 are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0032] 3, the third glass plate 21 is disposed to face the second glass plate 12 with a space 22 interposed therebetween. For example, the second glass plate 12 and the third glass plate 21 can be disposed at a distance from each other by providing a spacer (not shown) between them. The third glass plate 21 can be made of the same material as the first and second glass plates 11 and 12.

[0033] The space 22 is a space sealed by the second glass plate 12, the third glass plate 21, and a spacer (not shown), and is filled with a gas such as air, argon, krypton, etc. The space 22 may also be in a vacuum state.

[0034] In a solar cell module 20 constructed using double-glazing, for example, a low-emissivity (Low-E) film 23 may be provided on the surface of the third glass plate 21 facing the second glass plate 12. By providing the low-emissivity film 23, heat transfer due to radiation can be reduced.

[0035] The low-emissivity film 23 may be, for example, a laminated film including a transparent conductive layer and a reflection adjustment layer. The transparent conductive layer is preferably, for example, an ITO (indium tin oxide) layer, a tin oxide layer, a fluorine-doped tin oxide layer, an antimony-doped tin oxide layer, a silver layer, a zirconium nitride layer, or a titanium nitride layer. The reflection adjustment layer preferably contains an oxide or oxynitride of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Ti, Nb, Ta, Zn, Al, In, Si, and Zr. The configuration of the low-emissivity film 23 is not limited to the above configuration, and low-emissivity films having configurations other than those described above may also be used. The low-emissivity film 23 may be provided at a position other than that shown in FIG. 3. A low-emissivity film may also be provided on a solar cell module 10 configured using the laminated glass shown in FIG. 2.

[0036] <Solar cell module design system> Next, a solar cell module design system according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the solar cell module design system according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the solar cell module design system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a glass plate selection unit 31, a solar cell selection unit 32, a thermo-optical property calculation unit 33, and a change unit 34. The solar cell module design system 1 according to the present embodiment is a design system for a solar cell module including glass plates and solar cells. Specifically, it is a design system that is suitably used when designing a solar cell module 10 configured using the above-mentioned laminated glass or a solar cell module 20 configured using double glazing.

[0037] The solar cell module design system 1 according to this embodiment is connected to a database 30 and is configured to be able to acquire data required to design a solar cell module from the database 30. The database 30 may be provided separately from the solar cell module design system 1. For example, the database 30 may be configured using a cloud server. The database 30 may also be included in the solar cell module design system 1. The database 30 stores data on each element that constitutes a solar cell module, that is, data on the glass plates 11, 12, and 21, the photovoltaic cell 15, the intermediate adhesive film 13, the space 22, etc. Details of the data stored in the database 30 will be described later.

[0038] The glass plate selection unit 31 selects glass plates to be used in the solar cell module 10 from among a plurality of glass plates (selectable glass plates whose data is stored in the database 30) based on the required design strength. For example, when designing a solar cell module 10 configured using laminated glass, the glass plate selection unit 31 selects glass plates to be used for the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12 from among the plurality of glass plates whose data is stored in the database 30. When designing a solar cell module 20 configured using double-glazed glass, the glass plate selection unit 31 selects glass plates to be used for the first glass plate 11, the second glass plate 12, and the third glass plate 21 from among the plurality of glass plates whose data is stored in the database 30.

[0039] At this time, the glass plate selection unit 31 selects the glass plates 11, 12, and 21 based on the required design strength. Here, the required design strength refers to the design strength required for the installation location where the solar cell modules are to be installed. For example, the installation location may be a skylight, curtain wall, handrail, louver, wall, or floor. The design strength is set taking into consideration the size of the solar cell modules 10 and 20 to be installed. The design strength may also be set taking into consideration external forces such as wind pressure and snow load at the installation location of the solar cell modules 10 and 20. The design strength may also be set taking into consideration the Building Standards Act applicable to the installation location where the solar cell modules 10 and 20 are to be installed. For example, the design strength may be set based on the amount of deflection that the solar cell modules 10 and 20 can withstand when an external force is applied to the solar cell modules 10 and 20.

[0040] For example, the glass sheet selection unit 31 may select the glass sheets 11, 12, and 21 in consideration of the type, thickness, and tempering classification of the glass sheets to be used. Here, the types of glass sheets include float glass, high-transmittance glass, Low-E glass, heat-absorbing glass, wired glass, etc., and the tempering classification includes chemical tempering, air-cooling tempering, etc.

[0041] The glass plate selection unit 31 may also select the intermediate adhesive film 13 based on the required design strength. Specifically, the intermediate adhesive film 13 may be selected based on the required design strength of the solar cell module to be used, taking into consideration the type and thickness of the intermediate adhesive film. Here, types of intermediate adhesive films include EVA resin, PVB resin, ionomer resin, COP, polyurethane, PVC, POE, and TPO. The glass plate selection unit 31 may also select the type and thickness of the space 22 that constitutes the double-glazed glass. Here, types of space 22 include air, argon, krypton, and vacuum.

[0042] The solar cell module design system 1 according to this embodiment may be configured to allow a user to input predetermined information using an input unit 35. The input unit 35 may be configured using a keyboard or a mouse. For example, when a user inputs information regarding a required design strength, the glass plate selection unit 31 may automatically select a glass plate based on the input design strength. Furthermore, when a user inputs information regarding the required design strength, the glass plate selection unit 31 may extract glass plates that satisfy the input design strength and display the extracted glass plates as glass plate candidates on the display unit 36 ​​so that they can be selected. In this case, the user can select a glass plate to be used in a solar cell module from the glass plates presented by the glass plate selection unit 31. Furthermore, the glass plate selection unit 31 may select an intermediate adhesive film in addition to the glass plate.

[0043] Alternatively, the user may directly select a glass plate using the input unit 35. In this case, the glass plate selection unit 31 selects a glass plate to be used in the solar cell module from among a plurality of glass plates in accordance with the user's input. At this time, the glass plate selection unit 31 may display on the display unit 36 ​​whether or not the glass plate selected by the user satisfies the required design strength. If the display unit 36 ​​displays a message indicating that the glass plate does not satisfy the design strength, the user may reselect a glass plate to be used in the solar cell module from among the plurality of glass plates whose data are stored in the database 30.

[0044] The photovoltaic cell selection unit 32 selects the photovoltaic cells 15 to be used in the photovoltaic modules 10, 20 from among a plurality of photovoltaic cells whose data are stored in the database 30, based on the required output performance of the photovoltaic module. Specifically, the photovoltaic cell selection unit 32 determines the type, shape, size, number, etc. of the photovoltaic cells 15 to be used so as to satisfy the required output performance of the photovoltaic modules 10, 20. Here, the types of the photovoltaic cells 15 include silicon-based single crystal type, silicon-based polycrystalline type, amorphous silicon type, thin-film silicon type, CIGS type, organic thin-film type, dye-sensitized type, perovskite type, etc. The types of the photovoltaic cells 15 may include monofacial type and bifacial type. The shapes of the photovoltaic cells 15 include square, rectangular, circular, etc.

[0045] The photovoltaic cell selection unit 32 may acquire data relating to the size (area) of the solar cell modules 10, 20 in advance. In this case, the photovoltaic cell selection unit 32 may determine the type, shape, size, number, etc. of the photovoltaic cells 15 to be used based on the acquired data relating to the area of ​​the solar cell modules 10, 20. In other words, the photovoltaic cell selection unit 32 may determine the type, shape, size, number, etc. of the photovoltaic cells 15 to be used so that the number is within the maximum number of photovoltaic cells 15 that can be arranged in the solar cell modules 10, 20.

[0046] For example, after the photovoltaic cells 15 are selected, the photovoltaic cell selection unit 32 may automatically determine the number of photovoltaic cells 15 required for the photovoltaic modules 10, 20 based on the size of the selected glass plate (photovoltaic modules 10, 20), the type of the selected photovoltaic cells 15, and the required output performance of the photovoltaic modules 10, 20.

[0047] Specifically, once the type of photovoltaic cell 15 is determined, the size and power generation amount per photovoltaic cell 15 are determined. Therefore, the photovoltaic cell selection unit 32 determines the number of selected photovoltaic cells 15 so as to satisfy the required output performance of the solar cell modules 10, 20. Thereafter, the photovoltaic cell selection unit 32 determines the layout of the determined number of photovoltaic cells 15.

[0048] If the determined number of photovoltaic cells 15 cannot fit within the size of the glass plate (solar cell modules 10, 20), the photovoltaic cell selection unit 32 may suggest to the user to select other photovoltaic cells 15 with a larger unit power generation capacity. In other words, by using photovoltaic cells 15 with a larger unit power generation capacity, the required area of ​​the photovoltaic cells 15 can be reduced. Therefore, the photovoltaic cells 15 can be arranged so as to fit within the area of ​​the glass plate (solar cell modules 10, 20).

[0049] For example, when a user inputs information regarding the required output performance of the solar cell module using the input unit 35, the solar cell selection unit 32 may automatically select the type, shape, size, number, etc. of solar cells based on the input output performance. Furthermore, when a user inputs information regarding the required output performance of the solar cell module using the input unit 35, the solar cell selection unit 32 may extract the type, shape, size, number, etc. of solar cells that satisfy the input output performance, and display the extracted type, shape, size, number, etc. of solar cells as solar cell candidates in a selectable manner on the display unit 36. In this case, the user can select the type, shape, size, number, etc. of solar cells to be used in the solar cell module from the types, shapes, sizes, number, etc. of solar cells presented by the solar cell selection unit 32.

[0050] Alternatively, the user may directly select the type, shape, size, number, etc. of the photovoltaic cells using the input unit 35. In this case, the photovoltaic cell selection unit 32 selects the type, shape, size, number, etc. of the photovoltaic cells to be used in the solar cell module in accordance with the user's input. At this time, the photovoltaic cell selection unit 32 may display on the display unit 36 ​​whether or not the type, shape, size, number, etc. of the photovoltaic cells selected by the user satisfy the required output performance. If the display unit 36 ​​displays a message that the output performance is not satisfied, the user may reselect the type, shape, size, number, etc. of the photovoltaic cells.

[0051] The thermo-optical property calculation unit 33 calculates the thermo-optical properties of the solar cell modules 10, 20 composed of the selected glass plates 11, 12, 21 and the selected solar cell 15, using data on the properties of each of the multiple glass plates and data on the properties of each of the multiple solar cells stored in the database 30.

[0052] The database 30 stores data relating to the characteristics of each of a plurality of glass plates and data relating to the characteristics of each of a plurality of photovoltaic cells.

[0053] The data on the properties of each of the plurality of glass sheets may include at least one of the type, thickness, tempering classification, strength data, thermal insulation data, and optical data of the glass sheet. Here, the type of glass sheet may be, for example, float glass, high-transmittance glass, low-E glass, heat-absorbing glass, wired glass, etc. The tempering classification may be, for example, chemically tempered or air-cooled tempered. The thermal insulation data may be, for example, the thermal conductivity and solar heat absorptance of the glass sheet. The optical data may be, for example, the visible light transmittance and infrared transmittance of the glass sheet.

[0054] The data on the characteristics of each of the multiple photovoltaic cells may include at least one of the type, shape, size, power generation capacity, thermal insulation data, and optical data of the photovoltaic cell. Here, the types of photovoltaic cells include silicon-based single crystal type, silicon-based polycrystalline type, amorphous silicon type, thin-film silicon type, CIGS type, organic thin-film type, dye-sensitized type, perovskite type, etc. The types of photovoltaic cells may include monofacial type and bifacial type. Furthermore, the shapes of the photovoltaic cells include square, rectangular, circular, etc. The power generation capacity is the amount of power generation per unit area. The thermal insulation data includes the thermal conductivity and solar heat absorptance of the photovoltaic cell, etc. The optical data includes the visible light transmittance and infrared transmittance of the photovoltaic cell, etc.

[0055] In addition to the above, various other data relating to the elements constituting the solar cell module may be stored in the database 30. For example, the database 30 may store data relating to the characteristics of the intermediate adhesive film 13 and data relating to the characteristics of the space 22.

[0056] Data on the properties of the intermediate adhesive film include the type, thickness, thermal insulation data, and optical data of the intermediate adhesive film. Here, the type of intermediate adhesive film includes EVA resin, PVB resin, ionomer resin, COP, polyurethane, PVC, POE, TPO, etc. The thermal insulation data includes the thermal conductivity and solar heat absorption rate of the intermediate adhesive film. The optical data includes the visible light transmittance and infrared transmittance of the intermediate adhesive film.

[0057] The data on the characteristics of the space 22 includes the type, thickness, thermal insulation data, and optical data of the space 22. Here, the type of the space 22 is air, argon, krypton, vacuum, etc. The thermal insulation data includes the thermal conductivity and solar heat absorption rate of the space (gas). The optical data includes the visible light transmittance and infrared transmittance of the space (gas).

[0058] The thermo-optical property calculation unit 33 calculates the thermo-optical properties of the solar cell module using these data stored in the database 30. Specifically, the thermo-optical property calculation unit 33 calculates at least one of the shading coefficient, solar heat gain coefficient, normal heat transmission coefficient, visible light transmittance, aperture ratio, and infrared transmittance of the solar cell module. Here, the aperture ratio can be expressed as {(AB) / A}×100(%), where A is the area of ​​the solar cell module when viewed in a plan view, and B is the total area of ​​the multiple photovoltaic cells 15. Note that known calculation methods can be used to calculate the shading coefficient, solar heat gain coefficient, normal heat transmission coefficient, visible light transmittance, and infrared transmittance.

[0059] If the calculation results of the thermo-optical properties calculated by the thermo-optical property calculation unit 33 do not satisfy predetermined conditions, the change unit 34 instructs at least one of the glass plate selection unit 31 and the photovoltaic cell selection unit 32 to present candidates for changing at least one of the glass plate and the photovoltaic cell used in the photovoltaic module. Specifically, the change unit 34 instructs the glass plate selection unit 31 to reselect a glass plate to be used in the photovoltaic modules 10, 20 from the plurality of glass plates whose data are stored in the database 30.

[0060] Furthermore, the change unit 34 instructs the photovoltaic power generation cell selection unit 32 to reselect the photovoltaic power generation cells 15 to be used in the solar cell modules 10, 20 from among the plurality of photovoltaic power generation cells whose data are stored in the database 30.

[0061] The solar cell modules 10, 20 are constructed by providing photovoltaic cells 15 on laminated glass or composite glass. For this reason, the thermo-optical properties of the solar cell modules 10, 20 are different from the thermo-optical properties of laminated glass alone or composite glass alone. For example, when the photovoltaic cells 15 are provided on laminated glass or composite glass, the photovoltaic cells 15 absorb heat from sunlight, causing the temperature of the solar cell modules 10, 20 to rise. Furthermore, when the photovoltaic cells 15 are provided on laminated glass or composite glass, the areas where the photovoltaic cells 15 are provided are shaded, reducing the light transmittance of the solar cell modules 10, 20.

[0062] In this way, when photovoltaic cells 15 are provided on laminated glass or composite glass, the thermo-optical properties of the photovoltaic modules 10, 20 differ from the thermo-optical properties of the original laminated glass or composite glass. For this reason, in the photovoltaic module design system 1 according to this embodiment, the thermo-optical properties of the photovoltaic module are calculated in the thermo-optical property calculation unit 33. If the calculation results of the thermo-optical properties calculated by the thermo-optical property calculation unit 33 do not satisfy predetermined conditions, the change unit 34 instructs at least one of the glass plate selection unit 31 and the photovoltaic cell selection unit 32 to present candidates for changing at least one of the glass plate and the photovoltaic cell used in the photovoltaic module.

[0063] For example, when the calculation result calculated by the thermo-optical property calculation unit 33 indicates that the solar heat gain coefficient needs to be reduced, the change unit 34 may instruct the photovoltaic cell selection unit 32 to increase the number of photovoltaic cells or the area of ​​the photovoltaic cells. Furthermore, when the calculation result calculated by the thermo-optical property calculation unit 33 indicates that the solar heat gain coefficient needs to be reduced, the change unit 34 may instruct the glass plate selection unit 31 to use Low-E glass (i.e., glass with a low-emissivity film) for at least one of the plurality of glass plates, increase the thickness of at least one of the plurality of glass plates, change the intermediate adhesive film to an intermediate adhesive film with an infrared-blocking function, use a colored intermediate adhesive film, use colored glass plates, or use argon or krypton as the gas in the double-glazed space 22.

[0064] For example, when the calculation result calculated by the thermo-optical property calculation unit 33 indicates that the shading coefficient needs to be lowered, the change unit 34 may instruct the photovoltaic power generation cell selection unit 32 to increase the number of photovoltaic power generation cells. Furthermore, when the calculation result calculated by the thermo-optical property calculation unit 33 indicates that the shading coefficient needs to be lowered, the change unit 34 may instruct the glass plate selection unit 31 to use Low-E glass (i.e., glass with a low-emissivity film) for at least one of the multiple glass plates.

[0065] Furthermore, when the calculation result calculated by the thermo-optical property calculation unit 33 indicates that the visible light transmittance needs to be increased, the change unit 34 may instruct the photovoltaic cell selection unit 32 to reduce the number of photovoltaic cells. In this case, it is necessary to reduce the number of photovoltaic cells within a range that satisfies the output performance of the solar cell module. Furthermore, when the calculation result calculated by the thermo-optical property calculation unit 33 indicates that the visible light transmittance needs to be increased, the change unit 34 may instruct the photovoltaic cell selection unit 32 to change the type of photovoltaic cell to a photovoltaic cell with a relatively high transmittance (for example, a perovskite-type photovoltaic cell).

[0066] Furthermore, if the design (designability) of the solar cell module does not match the design of the building, the change unit 34 may instruct the solar cell selection unit 32 to change the number, shape, arrangement, etc. of the solar cell to be used.

[0067] It should be noted that examples of changing the glass plates and photovoltaic cells used in the solar cell module by the changing unit 34 are not limited to the above examples. In this embodiment, the changing unit 34 may also change the intermediate adhesive film 13 and the space 22, which are other components that make up the solar cell module.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when reselecting each component, such as the glass plates, constituting the solar cell modules 10 and 20, if the calculation results of the thermo-optical properties do not satisfy the predetermined conditions even after changing each component, the configuration of the solar cell module itself may be changed. For example, the solar cell module 10 configured using laminated glass may be changed to the solar cell module 20 configured using double-glazed glass. Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the calculation results of the thermo-optical properties do not satisfy the predetermined conditions even after changing each component, the conditions of the thermo-optical properties may be relaxed. For example, if it is desired to reduce manufacturing costs, the desired solar cell module can be obtained while reducing manufacturing costs by relaxing the conditions of the thermo-optical properties.

[0069] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the solar cell module design system 1 (a method for designing a solar cell module) shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the solar cell module design system according to the embodiment.

[0070] When designing the solar cell modules 10, 20, first, the design strength required for the installation location where the solar cell modules 10, 20 will be installed is determined in advance. The design strength can be determined using the method described above. The output performance (power generation amount) required for the solar cell modules 10, 20 is also determined in advance. Data on the characteristics of each of the multiple glass plates, data on the characteristics of each of the multiple photovoltaic cells, and other data on the elements that make up the solar cell module are also stored in advance in the database 30.

[0071] Next, the glass plate selection unit 31 selects glass plates to be used in the solar cell modules 10, 20 from among the plurality of glass plates whose data is stored in the database 30, based on the design strength determined above (step S1). For example, when designing the solar cell module 10 constructed using laminated glass, the glass plate selection unit 31 selects glass plates to be used for the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12 from among the plurality of glass plates whose data is stored in the database 30. When designing the solar cell module 20 constructed using double-glazed glass, the glass plate selection unit 31 selects glass plates to be used for the first glass plate 11, the second glass plate 12, and the third glass plate 21 from among the plurality of glass plates whose data is stored in the database 30. Note that the case in which the glass plate selection unit 31 selects the glass plates 11, 12, and 21 has been described above, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0072] Next, the photovoltaic power generation cell selection unit 32 selects the photovoltaic power generation cells 15 to be used in the photovoltaic modules 10, 20 from the plurality of photovoltaic power generation cells whose data are stored in the database 30, based on the output performance of the photovoltaic modules determined above (step S2). Specifically, the photovoltaic power generation cell selection unit 32 determines the type, shape, size, number, etc. of the photovoltaic power generation cells 15 to be used so as to satisfy the required output performance of the photovoltaic modules 10, 20. Note that the case where the photovoltaic power generation cell selection unit 32 selects the photovoltaic power generation cells 15 has been described above, and therefore will not be described again.

[0073] Next, the thermo-optical property calculation unit 33 calculates the thermo-optical properties of the solar cell modules 10, 20 configured with the selected glass plate and the selected solar cell, using data on the properties of each of the plurality of glass plates and data on the properties of each of the plurality of solar cell, which are stored in the database 30 (step S3). Specifically, the thermo-optical property calculation unit 33 uses this data stored in the database 30 to determine at least one of the shading coefficient, solar heat gain coefficient, overall heat transmission coefficient, visible light transmittance, aperture ratio, and infrared transmittance of the solar cell modules 10, 20.

[0074] Thereafter, the solar cell module design system 1 determines whether the calculation results of the thermo-optical properties calculated by the thermo-optical property calculation unit 33 satisfy predetermined conditions (step S4). Here, the thermo-optical properties of the solar cell modules 10, 20 are at least one of the shading coefficient, solar heat gain coefficient, overall heat transmission coefficient, visible light transmittance, aperture ratio, and infrared transmittance of the solar cell modules 10, 20.

[0075] The predetermined conditions for the thermo-optical properties of the solar cell modules 10, 20 are determined according to the thermo-optical design of the building in which the solar cell modules 10, 20 are installed. For example, when the solar cell modules 10, 20 are used in a building with high thermal insulation performance, the conditions for the thermo-optical properties are set so that the shading coefficient of the solar cell modules 10, 20 is high, the solar heat gain coefficient is low, the overall heat transmittance is low, and the infrared transmittance is low.

[0076] If the calculation results of the thermo-optical properties calculated by the thermo-optical property calculation unit 33 satisfy the predetermined conditions (step S4: Yes), the solar cell module design system 1 ends the design of the solar cell modules 10, 20.

[0077] On the other hand, if the calculation result of the thermo-optical properties calculated by the thermo-optical property calculation unit 33 does not satisfy the predetermined condition (step S4: No), the change unit 34 executes at least one of the steps of selecting a glass plate (step S1) and selecting a photovoltaic cell 15 (step S2) again so as to present candidates for changing at least one of the glass plates 11, 12, 21 and the photovoltaic cells 15 used in the solar cell modules 10, 20. For example, the change unit 34 instructs the glass plate selection unit 31 to reselect a glass plate to be used in the solar cell modules 10, 20 from a plurality of glass plates whose data is stored in the database 30 (step S1). Note that in this case as well, the glass plate selection unit 31 selects a glass plate to be used in the solar cell modules 10, 20 so as to satisfy the required design strength.

[0078] The change unit 34 also instructs the photovoltaic power generation cell selection unit 32 to reselect the photovoltaic power generation cells 15 to be used in the photovoltaic modules 10, 20 from among the plurality of photovoltaic power generation cells whose data are stored in the database 30 (step S2). Note that in this case as well, the photovoltaic power generation cell selection unit 32 selects the photovoltaic power generation cells 15 so as to satisfy the required output performance of the photovoltaic module.

[0079] Thereafter, the thermo-optical property calculation unit 33 calculates the thermo-optical properties again for the solar cell module configured with the reselected glass plate and the reselected solar power generation cell (step S3). The solar cell module design system 1 again determines whether the calculation results of the thermo-optical properties calculated by the thermo-optical property calculation unit 33 satisfy the predetermined condition (step S4). Then, if the calculation results of the thermo-optical properties calculated by the thermo-optical property calculation unit 33 satisfy the predetermined condition (step S4: Yes), the solar cell module design system 1 ends the design of the solar cell modules 10, 20. In this embodiment, the operations of steps S1 to S4 are repeated until the calculation results of the thermo-optical properties calculated by the thermo-optical property calculation unit 33 satisfy the predetermined condition (step S4: Yes).

[0080] As described above, in the invention according to this embodiment, glass plates to be used in a solar cell module are selected based on the required design strength, and photovoltaic cells to be used in the solar cell module are selected based on the required output performance of the solar cell module. Then, the thermo-optical properties of a solar cell module composed of the selected glass plates and selected photovoltaic cells are calculated, and if the calculation results of the thermo-optical properties do not satisfy predetermined conditions, candidates for changing at least one of the glass plates and photovoltaic cells to be used in the solar cell module are presented. Thus, the invention according to this embodiment makes it possible to easily design a solar cell module that satisfies both the design strength and output performance.

[0081] <Hardware configuration> Next, an example of a hardware configuration of the solar cell module design system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6. The solar cell module design system 1 has a processor 101 and a memory 102. The processor 101 may be, for example, a microprocessor, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 101 may include multiple processors. The memory 102 is configured by a combination of a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The memory 102 may include storage located away from the processor 101. In this case, the processor 101 may access the memory 102 via an input / output interface (not shown).

[0082] Furthermore, the solar cell module design system 1 according to the above-described embodiment may be configured with hardware or software, or both, and may be configured with one piece of hardware or software, or may be configured with multiple pieces of hardware or software. Each function (process) in the above-described embodiment may be realized by a computer. For example, a program for performing the operations in the embodiment may be stored in memory 102, and each function may be realized by executing the program stored in memory 102 by processor 101.

[0083] The program according to this embodiment is a program for designing a solar cell module including glass plates and solar cells, and causes a computer to execute the following steps: (1) a process for selecting a glass plate to be used in the solar cell module from a plurality of glass plates based on a required design strength; (2) a process for selecting a solar cell to be used in the solar cell module from a plurality of solar cells based on a required output performance of the solar cell module; (3) a process for calculating the thermo-optical properties of a solar cell module composed of the selected glass plate and the selected solar cell, using data on the properties of each of the plurality of glass plates and data on the properties of each of the plurality of solar cell, which are stored in a database; and (4) a process for re-executing at least one of the process for selecting the glass plate and the process for selecting the solar cell, if the calculation result of the thermo-optical properties does not satisfy predetermined conditions, so as to present candidates for changing at least one of the glass plate and the solar cell to be used in the solar cell module.

[0084] The program includes instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform one or more functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium. By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable media or tangible storage media include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD), Blu-ray® disk or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices. The program may also be transmitted on a transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium. By way of example and not limitation, transitory computer-readable media or communication media include electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals.

[0085] The present invention has been described above in accordance with the above-mentioned embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-mentioned embodiment, and naturally includes various modifications, alterations, and combinations that a person skilled in the art can make within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims of this application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1. Solar cell module design system 10 Solar cell module (laminated glass) 11 First glass plate 12 Second glass plate 13 Intermediate adhesive film 15 Photovoltaic Cells 20 Solar cell module (double glazing) 21 Third Glass Panel 22 Space 23 Low emissivity film 30 databases 31 Glass plate selection section 32 Photovoltaic power generation cell selection unit 33 Thermo-optical property calculation section 34 Changes 35 Input section 36 Display section

Claims

1. A design system for a solar cell module including a glass plate and a solar photovoltaic cell, a glass plate selection unit that selects a glass plate to be used in the solar cell module from a plurality of glass plates based on a required design strength; a photovoltaic cell selection unit that selects a photovoltaic cell to be used in the photovoltaic module from a plurality of photovoltaic cells based on a required output performance of the photovoltaic module; a thermo-optical property calculation unit that calculates thermo-optical properties of a solar cell module configured with the selected glass plate and the selected photovoltaic cell using data on the properties of each of the plurality of glass plates and data on the properties of each of the plurality of photovoltaic cells stored in a database; a change unit that instructs at least one of the glass plate selection unit and the photovoltaic cell selection unit to present candidates for changing at least one of the glass plate and the photovoltaic cell used in the solar cell module when the calculation result of the thermo-optical properties does not satisfy a predetermined condition, Solar cell module design system.

2. The solar cell module design system according to claim 1 , wherein the data relating to the characteristics of each of the plurality of glass plates includes at least one of the type, thickness, tempering classification, strength data, thermal insulation data, and optical data of the glass plate.

3. 3. The solar cell module design system according to claim 1, wherein the data relating to the characteristics of each of the plurality of solar photovoltaic cells includes at least one of the type, shape, size, power generation amount, thermal insulation data, and optical data of the solar photovoltaic cell.

4. 3. The solar cell module design system according to claim 1, wherein the thermo-optical property calculation unit calculates at least one of a shading coefficient, a solar heat gain coefficient, a normal heat transfer coefficient, a visible light transmittance, an aperture ratio, and an infrared transmittance of the solar cell module.

5. 3. The solar cell module design system according to claim 1, wherein after the solar cell is selected, the solar cell selection unit automatically determines the number of the solar cell required for the solar cell module based on the size of the selected glass plate, the type of the selected solar cell, and the required output performance of the solar cell module.

6. 5. The solar cell module design system according to claim 4, wherein, when it is necessary to lower the solar heat gain coefficient, the change unit issues an instruction to at least one of the glass plate selection unit and the solar cell selection unit to increase at least one of the number of solar photovoltaic cells and the area of ​​the solar photovoltaic cells, to use Low-E glass for at least one of the plurality of glass plates, and / or to increase the thickness of at least one of the plurality of glass plates.

7. 5. The solar cell module design system according to claim 4, wherein when the visible light transmittance needs to be increased, the change unit instructs the solar cell selection unit to reduce the number of the solar power generation cells and / or change the solar power generation cells to solar power generation cells with higher transmittance.

8. the glass sheets are laminated glass having a first glass sheet, a second glass sheet, and an intermediate adhesive film disposed between the first glass sheet and the second glass sheet; the photovoltaic cell is disposed between the first glass plate and the second glass plate; the glass plate selection unit is configured to be able to select at least one of the first glass plate, the second glass plate, and the intermediate adhesive film; when the calculation result of the thermo-optical properties does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the change unit instructs at least one of the glass plate selection unit and the photovoltaic cell selection unit to present candidates for changing at least one of the first glass plate, the second glass plate, the intermediate adhesive film, and the photovoltaic cell. The solar cell module design system according to claim 1 or 2.

9. the glass plates are double-glazed glass plates including a first glass plate, a second glass plate, an intermediate adhesive film disposed between the first glass plate and the second glass plate, and a third glass plate disposed via a space from the second glass plate; the photovoltaic cell is disposed between the first glass plate and the second glass plate; the glass plate selection unit is configured to be able to select at least one of the first glass plate, the second glass plate, the third glass plate, the intermediate adhesive film, and the space; when the calculation result of the thermo-optical properties does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the change unit instructs at least one of the glass plate selection unit and the photovoltaic cell selection unit to present candidates for changing at least one of the first glass plate, the second glass plate, the third glass plate, the intermediate adhesive film, the space, and the photovoltaic cell. The solar cell module design system according to claim 1 or 2.

10. A method for designing a solar cell module including a glass plate and a solar power generation cell, comprising: selecting a glass plate to be used in the solar cell module from a plurality of glass plates based on a required design strength; selecting a photovoltaic cell to be used in the solar cell module from among a plurality of photovoltaic cells based on the required output performance of the solar cell module; calculating thermo-optical properties of a solar cell module composed of the selected glass plate and the selected solar cell using data on the properties of each of the plurality of glass plates and data on the properties of each of the plurality of solar cell stored in a database; and when the calculation result of the thermo-optical properties does not satisfy a predetermined condition, performing at least one of the steps of selecting the glass plate and selecting the photovoltaic cell again so as to present candidates for changing at least one of the glass plate and the photovoltaic cell used in the solar cell module. How to design a solar module.

11. A program for designing a solar cell module including a glass plate and a solar cell, selecting a glass plate to be used in the solar cell module from a plurality of glass plates based on a required design strength; A process of selecting a photovoltaic power generation cell to be used in the photovoltaic module from a plurality of photovoltaic power generation cells based on the required output performance of the photovoltaic module; a process of calculating the thermo-optical characteristics of a solar cell module composed of the selected glass plate and the selected solar cell using data on the characteristics of each of the plurality of glass plates and data on the characteristics of each of the plurality of solar cell stored in a database; and a process of re-executing at least one of a process of selecting the glass plate and a process of selecting the photovoltaic cell so as to present candidates for changing at least one of the glass plate and the photovoltaic cell used in the solar cell module when the calculation result of the thermo-optical properties does not satisfy predetermined conditions.

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