Solar cell module

Abstract

The present invention provides a solar cell module that combines a solar cell, a temperature control means, and a heat insulation means, and that can reduce the thickness of the solar cell module. [Solution] The solar cell module 10 comprises a sheet-like substrate 11, a solar cell 12 provided on one side of the substrate 11, a temperature adjustment means located on the side of the substrate 11 opposite to the side on which the solar cell 12 is provided, a gas chamber cover material 17 joined in a pattern to the side of the temperature adjustment means opposite to the side on which the substrate 11 is located, and a region of the gas chamber cover material 17 that is not joined to the temperature adjustment means and a gas chamber 191 that is in contact with the temperature adjustment means. The gas chamber cover material 17 has a first curved shape that protrudes in the direction opposite to the direction on which the solar cell 12 is provided in the region in contact with the gas chamber 191.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a solar cell module.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a solar cell module combining a solar cell, temperature adjustment means, and heat insulation means has been known. For example, in Patent Document 1, a flow path structure as temperature adjustment means and heat insulation means are arranged at a position adjacent to the solar cell, and the power generation efficiency of the solar cell is suppressed by cooling the solar cell with a fluid flowing through the flow path structure, and a structure for generating hot water with the fluid whose temperature has risen is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, it has been difficult to reduce the thickness of the above structure in the solar cell module. An object of the present invention is to provide a solar cell module capable of reducing the thickness in a solar cell module combining a solar cell, temperature adjustment means, and heat insulation means.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present invention relates to a solar cell module comprising a sheet-like substrate, a solar cell provided on one side of the substrate, a temperature adjustment means located on the side of the substrate opposite to the side on which the solar cell is provided, a gas chamber cover material bonded in a pattern to the side of the temperature adjustment means opposite to the side on which the substrate is located, and a region of the gas chamber cover material not bonded to the temperature adjustment means and a gas chamber in contact with the temperature adjustment means, wherein the gas chamber cover material has a first curved shape that protrudes in the region in contact with the gas chamber in the direction opposite to the direction on which the solar cell is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to an aspect of the present invention, in a solar cell module combining a solar cell, a temperature control means, and a heat insulation means, the thickness of the solar cell module can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the solar cell module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a plan view showing the overall structure of the solar cell module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the temperature control means for the operation of the solar cell module of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the heat insulation means of the solar cell module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the temperature control means and heat insulation means during operation of the solar cell module of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the temperature control means and heat insulation means for storage of the solar cell module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the solar cell module according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the temperature control means for a solar cell module according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9]This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the temperature control means and heat insulation means during operation of the solar cell module of the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the temperature control means and heat insulation means during operation of the solar cell module of the third embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the temperature control means and heat insulation means during operation of the solar cell module of the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, a solar cell module according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. This embodiment describes a configuration in which a solar cell module is equipped with a flow channel structure as a temperature control means and a single-layer gas chamber as a heat insulating means.

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the solar cell module 10. As shown in Figure 1, the solar cell module 10 comprises a substrate 11, a solar cell 12, a channel cover material 13, a channel adhesive 14, a gas chamber cover material 17, and a gas chamber adhesive 18. In Figure 1, the substrate 11 and the channel adhesive 14 are shown separated for clarity, but in reality, the substrate 11 and the channel adhesive 14 are in close contact. Similarly, the channel cover material 13 and the gas chamber adhesive 18 are shown separated, but in reality, the channel cover material 13 and the gas chamber adhesive 18 are in close contact. Figure 2 is a plan view showing the overall structure of the solar cell module 10.

[0010] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the base material 11 is a sheet-like component made of resin materials such as polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, and polycarbonate, metal materials such as stainless steel and titanium, and glass materials.

[0011] On one surface of the base material 11, a solar cell 12 such as a perovskite solar cell, a dye-sensitized solar cell, or an organic thin-film solar cell is formed. The solar cell 12 is connected to a terminal 121. When sunlight irradiates the surface of the solar cell 12, a potential difference is generated between the terminals 121, and power can be supplied from the terminals 121 to the outside.

[0012] The flow path cover material 13 is a sheet-like member made of a resin material such as polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, vinyl chloride resin, fluororesin, etc.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view when looking from the side of the flow path adhesive 14 at the interface between the base material 11 and the flow path adhesive 14, showing the structure of the temperature adjustment means during the operation of the solar cell module 10.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the flow path adhesive 14 is a sheet-like adhesive made of a polyamide-based adhesive, a polyester-based adhesive, a polyolefin-based adhesive, an epoxy-based adhesive, a polyimide-based adhesive, etc., or a liquid adhesive such as an epoxy-based adhesive or an acrylic-based adhesive. The flow path adhesive 14 is formed in a pattern on the outer peripheral portion and inside of the base material 11 and the flow path cover material 13. By joining the base material 11 and the flow path cover material 13 with the flow path adhesive 14, regions where the base material 11 and the flow path cover material 13 are joined and regions where the base material 11 and the flow path cover material 13 are not joined are formed in a pattern.

[0015] In the region where the base material 11 and the flow path cover material 13 are not joined by the flow path adhesive 14, an introduction flow path 152, a branch flow path 153, a heat exchange flow path 151, a confluence flow path 154, and a discharge flow path 155 are formed.

[0016] The heat exchange flow path 151 is shaped to extend in the X direction, which is the first direction parallel to the in-plane direction of the base material 11. Also, a plurality of heat exchange flow paths 151 are provided, and the plurality of heat exchange flow paths 151 are arranged in the Y direction, which is the second direction parallel to the in-plane direction of the base material 11 and intersects the X direction. At least a part of the heat exchange flow path 151 is located at a position facing the solar cell 12 with the base material 11 interposed therebetween. One side of the heat exchange flow path 151 is in communication with the branch flow path 153 and the introduction flow path 152 in sequence, and the other side is in communication with the confluence flow path 154 and the discharge flow path 155 in sequence. The base material 11 is provided with a fluid inlet 112 communicating with the introduction flow path 152 and a fluid outlet 115 communicating with the discharge flow path 155.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 3, the solar cell module 10 has a circulation path through which the fluid 102 can move as follows. The fluid 102 such as water, antifreeze, air, etc. introduced into the solar cell module 10 from the fluid inlet 112 flows in the direction 162 inside the introduction flow path 152, flows in the direction 163 inside the branch flow path 153, and is introduced into the plurality of heat exchange flow paths 151. The fluid 102 flows in the direction 161 inside the plurality of heat exchange flow paths 151. At least a part of the heat exchange flow path 151 is located at a position facing the solar cell 12 with the base material 11 interposed therebetween. At this position, heat is exchanged between the fluid 102 inside the heat exchange flow path 151 and the solar cell 12 through the base material 11. The fluid 102 that exits the plurality of heat exchange flow paths 151 merges in the confluence flow path 154 and flows in the direction 164, passes through the discharge flow path 155, and is discharged from the fluid outlet 115 to the outside of the solar cell module 10.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view when looking at the side of the gas chamber adhesive 18 from the interface between the flow path cover material 13 and the gas chamber adhesive 18, showing the structure of the heat insulation means during the operation of the solar cell module 10. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the gas chamber cover material 17 is a sheet-like member made of a resin material such as polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, vinyl chloride resin, fluororesin, etc.

[0019] The gas chamber adhesive 18 is a sheet-like adhesive made of polyamide adhesive, polyester adhesive, polyolefin adhesive, epoxy adhesive, polyimide adhesive, etc., or a liquid adhesive such as epoxy adhesive or acrylic adhesive. The area where the gas chamber adhesive 18 is formed has a pattern corresponding to the outer periphery and interior of the flow path cover material 13 and the gas chamber cover material 17. When the flow path cover material 13 and the gas chamber cover material 17 are joined with the gas chamber adhesive 18, a pattern is formed in which the flow path cover material 13 and the gas chamber cover material 17 are joined and which are not joined.

[0020] In the region where the flow path cover material 13 and the gas chamber cover material 17 are not joined by the gas chamber adhesive 18, a gas introduction passage 192, a first gas communication passage 193, and a gas chamber 191 are formed.

[0021] The gas chamber 191 has a shape that extends in the X direction. Furthermore, multiple gas chambers 191 are provided, with multiple gas chambers 191 arranged in the Y direction. At least a portion of the gas chamber 191 is located opposite the heat exchange flow path 151, separated by the flow path cover material 13. The gas chamber 191 is connected in order to the first gas communication passage 193 and the gas introduction passage 192, and the first gas communication passage 193 may have a shape that extends in the Y direction. The flow path cover material 13 is provided with a gas inlet 156 that communicates with the gas introduction passage 192, and the base material 11 is provided with a gas inlet 116 that communicates with the gas introduction passage 192. By introducing a gas such as air or argon through the gas inlet 116, the gas such as air or argon can be introduced into multiple gas chambers 191 through the gas inlet 156, the gas introduction passage 192, and the first gas communication passage 193.

[0022] Figure 5 shows the structure of the temperature control means and heat insulation means during operation of the solar cell module 10. Figure 5(a) is a cross-sectional view of the solar cell module 10 in cross-section FF (Figures 2-4), and Figure 5(b) is an enlarged view of region H in Figure 5(a). As shown in Figure 5, the flow path cover material 13 has a plurality of curved sections formed along the Y direction. These curved sections consist of a curved section 131 that protrudes in the direction in which the solar cell 12 is installed, and a curved section 132 that protrudes in the direction opposite to the direction in which the solar cell 12 is installed.

[0023] The flow channel adhesive 14 is formed on the convex side of the curved portion 131, and the base material 11 and the curved portion 131 of the flow channel cover material 13 are joined by the flow channel adhesive 14. As a result, a region of the flow channel cover material 13 that is not joined to the base material 11 and a heat exchange flow channel 151 that is in contact with the base material 11 are formed. In the region where the heat exchange flow channel 151 is in contact, the flow channel cover material 13 has a curved shape that protrudes in the direction opposite to the direction in which the solar cell 12 is installed.

[0024] As shown in Figure 5, the gas chamber cover material 17 has multiple curved sections formed along the Y direction. These curved sections consist of a curved section 171 that protrudes in the direction in which the solar cell 12 is installed, and a curved section 172 that protrudes in the direction opposite to the direction in which the solar cell 12 is installed.

[0025] The gas chamber adhesive 18 is formed on the convex side of the curved portion 171, and the flow path cover material 13 and the curved portion 171 of the gas chamber cover material 17 are joined by the gas chamber adhesive 18. As a result, a gas chamber 191 is formed between the flow path cover material 13 and the gas chamber cover material 17. In the region where the gas chamber 191 is in contact with the gas chamber 191, the gas chamber cover material 17 takes on a first curved shape that protrudes in the direction opposite to the direction in which the solar cell 12 is installed. The height of the gas chamber 191 in the first curved shape is h3.

[0026] The curved portions 171 and 172 may be created by embossing or laser forming the planar gas chamber cover material 17 before joining the gas chamber cover material 17 to the flow path cover material 13 with the gas chamber adhesive 18. Alternatively, when joining the planar gas chamber cover material 17 to the flow path cover material 13 with the gas chamber adhesive 18, wrinkles may be created in the area of ​​the gas chamber cover material 17 that is not joined to the flow path cover material 13, and the pressure of the gas introduced into the gas chamber 191 may be used to curve the area of ​​the gas chamber cover material 17 that is in contact with the gas chamber 191 into a shape that protrudes in the direction opposite to the direction in which the solar cell 12 is installed.

[0027] In the solar cell module 10, the circulation paths for the fluid 102—the introduction channel 152, branch channel 153, heat exchange channel 151, confluence channel 154, and discharge channel 155—and the channel cover material 13 that constitutes them, correspond to temperature control means. In addition, the gas chamber 191, the first gas communication passage 193, and the gas introduction channel 192, and the gas chamber cover material 17 that constitutes them, correspond to heat insulation means.

[0028] The operating mechanism of the solar cell module 10 will be explained. When sunlight irradiates the surface of the solar cell 12 and the solar cell 12 generates electricity, the temperature rise of the solar cell 12 propagates through the substrate 11 to the heat exchange channel 151. By flowing a fluid 102 such as water inside the heat exchange channel 151, the temperature of the fluid 102 inside the heat exchange channel 151 rises, and the temperature of the fluid 102 discharged from the fluid outlet 115 also rises. As a result, in addition to the power generation by the solar cell 12, the heated fluid 102 such as hot water can be utilized as an energy source.

[0029] The gas, such as air or argon, introduced into the gas chamber 191, along with the gas chamber cover material 17, have the effect of preventing heat conduction between the temperature control means and the space or contacting materials in the direction opposite to the direction in which the solar cells 12 of the solar cell module 10 are installed. The heat insulation means reduces heat dissipation from the heated fluid 102 to the space or contacting materials in the direction opposite to the direction in which the solar cells 12 of the solar cell module 10 are installed. This suppresses the temperature drop of the fluid 102, allowing more energy to be utilized.

[0030] Furthermore, when sunlight irradiates the surface of the solar cell 12 and the solar cell 12 is generating electricity, the temperature rise of the solar cell 12 propagates through the substrate 11 to the heat exchange channel 151. By flowing a fluid 102 such as water, antifreeze, or air inside the heat exchange channel 151, the temperature of the fluid 102 inside the heat exchange channel 151 rises, and heat is carried to the outside of the solar cell module 10 by the fluid 102 flowing out from the fluid outlet 115. This suppresses the temperature rise of the solar cell 12 and prevents a decrease in power generation efficiency due to the temperature rise of the solar cell 12.

[0031] The above-described heat insulation means reduces the effect of temperature fluctuations on the solar cells 12 even when the temperature of the space or contacting components in the direction opposite to the direction in which the solar cells 12 of the solar cell module 10 are installed fluctuates. Specifically, the temperature of the fluid 102 inside the heat exchange channel 151 fluctuates, reducing the effect of temperature fluctuations on the solar cells 12 through the substrate 11. As a result, the temperature of the solar cells 12 is stabilized, and fluctuations in power generation efficiency can be suppressed.

[0032] If sunlight cannot reach the solar cell 12 due to snow accumulation on its surface, preventing it from generating electricity, a fluid 102 such as heated water, antifreeze, or air is circulated inside the heat exchange channel 151. As the temperature of the fluid 102 inside the heat exchange channel 151 rises, this rise propagates through the substrate 11 to the solar cell 12, causing the temperature of the solar cell 12 to increase. This melts and removes the snow accumulated on the surface of the solar cell 12, allowing it to generate electricity.

[0033] The above-described heat insulation means reduces heat dissipation from the heated fluid 102 to the space or contacting materials in the direction opposite to the direction in which the solar cells 12 of the solar cell module 10 are installed. This suppresses the decrease in the temperature of the fluid 102 and enhances the effect of melting the snow accumulated on the surface of the solar cells 12.

[0034] As described above, in the solar cell module 10, the gas chamber cover material 17 has a first curved shape that protrudes in the direction opposite to the direction in which the solar cell 12 is installed in the region in contact with the gas chamber 191. The height of the gas chamber 191 is h3, which enables the realization of a thin heat insulating means and reduces the thickness of the solar cell module 10. This makes it possible to save space when storing multiple solar cell modules 10 stacked on top of each other.

[0035] The gas chamber cover material 17 may be deformable into a first curved shape and a second curved shape different from the first curved shape in the region in contact with the gas chamber 191, and the height of the gas chamber 191 may be smaller in the second curved shape than in the first curved shape.

[0036] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view in FF (Figures 2-4) showing the structure of the temperature control means and heat insulation means when storing the solar cell module 10. As shown in Figure 6, for example, when multiple solar cell modules 10 are stacked and a compressive load is applied to the gas chamber cover material 17 in a direction intersecting the in-plane direction of the base material 11, the gas chamber cover material 17 may be pressed from a direction opposite to the direction in which the solar cells 12 are installed, and may deform from a first curved shape to a second curved shape different from the first curved shape. Furthermore, the gas chamber cover material 17 may deform from the first curved shape to a second curved shape different from the first curved shape by discharging gas from the gas inlet 116 and reducing the amount of gas inside the gas chamber 191.

[0037] The second curved shape described above may be a shape in which a curved portion 174 extending in the direction opposite to the direction in which the solar cell 12 is installed and a curved portion 173 extending in the direction in which the solar cell 12 is installed are continuous in the Y direction. The height h4 of the gas chamber 191 in the second curved shape is smaller than the height h3 of the gas chamber 191 in the first curved shape described above. In the second curved shape, the thickness of the solar cell module 10 can be made even smaller compared to the first curved shape described above.

[0038] This enables further space savings, such as when storing multiple solar cell modules 10 stacked on top of each other. Furthermore, when flexible solar cells such as perovskite solar cells, dye-sensitized solar cells, or organic thin-film solar cells are used as the solar cell 12, the reduction in the thickness of the solar cell module 10 allows the solar cell module 10 to become flexible. This enables further space savings, such as allowing the solar cell module 10 to be wound into a roll shape.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, when the gas chamber cover material 17 has the second curved shape described above, the curved shape of the flow channel cover material 13 changes, and the height of the heat exchange flow channel 151 decreases, which may further reduce the thickness of the solar cell module 10.

[0040] In the solar cell module 10, the gas chamber 191 has a shape that extends in the X direction. This allows the width of the gas chamber 191 to be kept small, stabilizing the deformation of the flow path cover material 13 and keeping the thickness of the solar cell module 10 small. Furthermore, the solar cell module 10 is equipped with multiple gas chambers 191. This allows the width of the gas chambers 191 to be kept small, stabilizing the deformation of the flow path cover material 13 and enabling the solar cell module 10 to maintain a small thickness. Furthermore, in the solar cell module 10, the first gas communication passage 193 connects multiple gas chambers 191. As a result, the gas pressure inside the multiple gas chambers 191 becomes equal, stabilizing the deformation of the flow path cover material 13, and allowing the solar cell module 10 to be stabilized at a small thickness.

[0041] [Second Embodiment] Hereinafter, a solar cell module according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 9. However, components having the same configuration as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. This embodiment describes a configuration in which a solar cell module is equipped with a resistance heating element as a temperature control means and a single-layer gas chamber as a heat insulation means.

[0042] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the solar cell module 20. As shown in Figure 7, the solar cell module 20 comprises a base material 11, a solar cell 12, a heating element support material 23, a resistance heating element 251, a heating element adhesive 24, a gas chamber cover material 17, and a gas chamber adhesive 18. In Figure 7, the base material 11 and the heating element adhesive 24 are shown separated for clarity, but in reality, the base material 11 and the heating element adhesive 24 are in close contact. Similarly, the heating element support material 23 and the gas chamber adhesive 18 are shown separated, but in reality, the heating element support material 23 and the gas chamber adhesive 18 are in close contact. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the heating element adhesive 24 side from the interface between the substrate 11 and the heating element adhesive 24, showing the structure of the temperature control means of the solar cell module 20. Furthermore, Figure 9 shows the structure of the temperature control means and heat insulation means during operation of the solar cell module 20. Figure 9(a) is a cross-sectional view of the solar cell module 20 in cross-section GG (Figure 8), and Figure 9(b) is an enlarged view of region I in Figure 9(a).

[0043] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the heating element support material 23 is a sheet-like member made of resin materials such as polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, vinyl chloride resin, and fluororesin. A resistive heating element 251 (shown by hatching) made of carbon, silver, nickel-chromium alloy, etc. is formed on one side of the heating element support material 23. The resistive heating element 251 is connected to terminals 255, and when a potential difference is applied between terminals 255, current flows through the resistive heating element 251, causing it to heat up. At least a portion of the resistive heating element 251 is located opposite the solar cell 12 with the substrate 11 in between.

[0044] The heating element adhesive 24 is a sheet-like adhesive made of polyamide adhesive, polyester adhesive, polyolefin adhesive, epoxy adhesive, polyimide adhesive, etc., or a liquid adhesive such as epoxy adhesive or acrylic adhesive. The area where the heating element adhesive 24 is formed has a pattern corresponding to the outer periphery and interior of the base material 11 and the heating element support material 23. The base material 11 and the heating element support material 23 are joined by the heating element adhesive 24, so that the resistance heating element 251 and the base material 11 are adjacent to each other.

[0045] The area where the gas chamber adhesive 18 is formed has a pattern corresponding to the outer periphery and interior of the heating element support material 23 and the gas chamber cover material 17. When the heating element support material 23 and the gas chamber cover material 17 are joined by the gas chamber adhesive 18, a pattern is formed in which the area where the heating element support material 23 and the gas chamber cover material 17 are joined and the area where they are not joined. In the region where the heating element support material 23 and the gas chamber cover material 17 are not joined by the gas chamber adhesive 18, a gas introduction passage 192, a first gas communication passage 193, and a gas chamber 191 are formed. At least a portion of the gas chamber 191 is located opposite the resistance heating element 251, with the heating element support material 23 in between.

[0046] The heating element support material 23 is provided with a gas inlet 256 that communicates with the gas introduction passage 192. By introducing a gas such as air or argon through the gas inlet 116, the gas such as air or argon can be introduced into the gas chamber 191 through the gas inlet 256, the first gas communication passage 193, and the gas introduction passage 192.

[0047] In the solar cell module 20, the resistive heating element 251 corresponds to the temperature control means. In addition, the gas chamber 191, the first gas communication passage 193, the gas introduction passage 192, and the gas chamber cover material 17 that constitutes them correspond to the heat insulation means.

[0048] The operating mechanism of the solar cell module 20 will be explained. If sunlight cannot reach the solar cell 12 due to snow accumulation on its surface, preventing it from generating electricity, the resistive heating element 251 is heated. The resulting temperature increase propagates through the substrate 11 to the solar cell 12, causing its temperature to rise. This melts and removes the snow accumulated on the surface of the solar cell 12, allowing it to generate electricity.

[0049] The above-described heat insulation means reduces heat dissipation from the resistive heating element 251, whose temperature has risen, to the space or contacting materials in the direction opposite to the direction in which the solar cells 12 of the solar cell module 10 are installed. This suppresses the temperature drop of the resistive heating element 251 and enhances the effect of melting snow on the surface of the solar cells 12.

[0050] In this second embodiment, the same heat insulation means as in the first embodiment can be applied, thereby achieving the same effects as in the first embodiment.

[0051] [Third Embodiment] Hereinafter, a solar cell module according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 10. However, components having the same configuration as those in the first and second embodiments described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. This embodiment describes a configuration in which a solar cell module is equipped with a thermal conductive material as a temperature control means and a single-layer gas chamber as an insulating means.

[0052] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the temperature control means and heat insulation means during operation of the solar cell module 30. As shown in Figure 10, the thermal conductive material 33 is a sheet-like member made of a material such as graphite or carbon nanotubes, which has a thermal conductivity coefficient in the in-plane direction greater than that of the substrate 11. At least a portion of the thermal conductive material 33 is located opposite the solar cell 12 with the substrate 11 in between.

[0053] The thermal conductive adhesive 34 is a sheet-like adhesive made of polyamide adhesives, polyester adhesives, polyolefin adhesives, epoxy adhesives, polyimide adhesives, etc., or a liquid adhesive such as an epoxy adhesive or an acrylic adhesive. The base material 11 and the thermal conductive material 33 are joined together with the thermal conductive adhesive 34.

[0054] The area where the gas chamber adhesive 18 is formed has a pattern corresponding to the outer periphery and interior of the heat conductive material 33 and the gas chamber cover material 17. When the heat conductive material 33 and the gas chamber cover material 17 are joined by the gas chamber adhesive 18, a pattern is formed in which the area where the heat conductive material 33 and the gas chamber cover material 17 are joined and the area where they are not joined. In the region where the heat conductive material 33 and the gas chamber cover material 17 are not joined by the heat conductive material adhesive 34, a gas introduction passage 192, a first gas communication passage 193, and a gas chamber 191 are formed. At least a portion of the gas chamber 191 is located opposite the heat conductive material 33.

[0055] In the solar cell module 30, the thermal conductive material 33 corresponds to the temperature control means. In addition, the gas chamber 191, the first gas communication passage 193, the gas introduction passage 192, and the gas chamber cover material 17 that constitutes them correspond to the heat insulation means.

[0056] The operating mechanism of the solar cell module 30 will be explained. When sunlight irradiates the surface of the solar cell 12 and the solar cell 12 is generating electricity, the temperature rise of the solar cell 12 propagates through the substrate 11 to the thermal conductive material 33. Since the thermal conductivity of the thermal conductive material 33 is greater than that of the substrate 11, heat is carried in the in-plane direction by the thermal conductive material 33. This suppresses the temperature rise of the solar cell 12 and prevents a decrease in power generation efficiency due to the temperature rise of the solar cell 12.

[0057] The above-described heat insulation means reduces the effect of temperature fluctuations in the thermal conductive material 33, even when the temperature of the space or contacting components in the direction opposite to the direction in which the solar cells 12 of the solar cell module 30 are installed fluctuates, thereby reducing the effect of temperature fluctuations in the solar cells 12 through the substrate 11. As a result, the temperature of the solar cells 12 is stabilized, and fluctuations in power generation efficiency can be suppressed.

[0058] In this third embodiment, the same heat insulation means as in the first embodiment can be applied, thereby achieving the same effects as in the first embodiment.

[0059] [Fourth Embodiment] Hereinafter, a solar cell module according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 11. However, components having the same configuration as those in the first to third embodiments described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. This embodiment describes a configuration in which a solar cell module is equipped with a resistive heating element as a temperature control means and a double-layered gas chamber as a heat insulation means.

[0060] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the temperature control means and heat insulation means for the solar cell module 40 during operation. As shown in Figure 11, the gas chamber cover material 47 has a plurality of curved sections formed along the Y direction. These curved sections consist of a curved section 471 that protrudes in the direction in which the solar cell 12 is installed, and a curved section 472 that protrudes in the direction opposite to the direction in which the solar cell 12 is installed.

[0061] The gas chamber adhesive 48 is formed on the convex side of the curved portion 471, and the gas chamber cover material 17 and the curved portion 471 of the gas chamber cover material 47 are joined by the gas chamber adhesive 48. As a result, a gas chamber 491 is formed between the gas chamber cover material 17 and the gas chamber cover material 47. In the region where the gas chamber 491 is in contact, the gas chamber cover material 47 takes on a third curved shape that protrudes in the direction opposite to the direction in which the solar cell 12 is installed.

[0062] The gas chamber 491 has a shape that extends in the X direction (not shown), which is a first direction parallel to the in-plane direction of the base material 11. In addition, multiple gas chambers 491 are arranged in the Y direction, which is a second direction parallel to the in-plane direction of the base material 11 and intersects with the X direction (not shown). The gas chamber 491 is located in a direction that intersects with the in-plane direction of the substrate 11 when viewed from the gas chamber 191.

[0063] The second gas communication passage 473 connects the gas chamber 491 and the gas chamber 191. By introducing a gas such as air or argon from the gas inlet 116, the gas such as air or argon can be introduced from the gas chamber 191 to the gas chamber 491 through the second gas communication passage 473. The location of the second gas communication passage 473 is not limited to the position connecting the gas chamber 491 and the gas chamber 191, but may also be the position connecting the first gas communication passage 193 or the gas introduction passage 192, etc.

[0064] The air, argon, or other gas introduced into the gas chamber 191 and the surface of the gas chamber cover material 17 are covered by the air, argon, or other gas introduced into the gas chamber 491 and the gas chamber cover material 47. This creates a double-layered structure with the gas chambers 191 and 491 arranged in a direction intersecting the in-plane direction of the base material 11, thereby increasing the thermal insulation effect.

[0065] The gas chamber cover material 47 may be deformable into a third curved shape and a fourth curved shape different from the third curved shape in the region in contact with the gas chamber 491, and the height of the gas chamber 491 may be smaller in the fourth curved shape than in the third curved shape.

[0066] In this fourth embodiment, the same heat insulation means as in the first embodiment can be applied, thereby achieving the same effects as in the first embodiment.

[0067] [Variation] Next, modified examples of each of the above embodiments will be described. Various modifications are possible for the gas chamber 191, the first gas communication passage 193, and the gas introduction passage 192. There is no need to have multiple gas chambers 191; one may be provided. The first gas communication passage 193 is optional. The gas inlet 116, gas inlet 156, gas introduction passage 192, and gas inlet 256 are optional, and the structure may be such that air, argon, or other gases cannot be introduced into the gas chamber 191 from the outside. In this case, the gas chamber 191 may be introduced into the gas chamber 191 during the manufacturing of the solar cell module. The gas chamber 191 does not have to be extended in one direction; it may be curved or bent. Furthermore, the gas chamber 191 may be circular, square, or other shapes.

[0068] Various modifications are possible regarding the gas chamber 491 and the second gas connecting passage 473. There is no need to have multiple gas chambers 491; one may be provided. The second gas communication passage 473 is optional. The structure may not allow for the introduction of gases such as air or argon into the gas chamber 491 from the outside. In this case, the gas may be introduced into the gas chamber 191 during the manufacturing of the solar cell module. The gas chamber 491 does not have to be extended in one direction; it may be curved or bent. Furthermore, the gas chamber 491 may be circular, square, or other shapes.

[0069] Further gas chambers and gas chamber cover materials may be provided in the direction opposite to the direction in which the solar cell 12 is installed on the gas chamber cover material 47. The gas chambers may be arranged in a structure of three or more layers in a direction intersecting the in-plane direction of the base material 11.

[0070] The second curved shape described above does not have to be a shape in which the curved portion extending in the direction opposite to the direction in which the solar cell 12 is installed and the curved portion extending in the direction in which the solar cell 12 is installed are continuous in the Y direction. For example, the second curved shape may be a shape that extends in the direction opposite to the direction in which the solar cell 12 is installed and has a different curvature from the first curved shape described above.

[0071] The gas chamber adhesive 18 is optional, and the flow path cover material 13 and the gas chamber cover material 17 may be directly welded together. Also, the gas chamber adhesive 48 is optional, and the gas chamber cover material 17 and the gas chamber cover material 47 may be directly welded together.

[0072] The gas chamber cover material 17 and the gas chamber cover material 47 do not have to be made of a single material, but may be made of layers of multiple materials with different gas permeability and elastic modulus. For example, they may be made of a sheet-like material such as a resin material on which a thin film of a metal material, ceramic material, etc., is formed by vapor deposition or the like. This makes it possible to prevent the diffusion of the gas with a layer of material with low gas permeability such as a metal material or ceramic material, while facilitating deformation between the first curved shape and the second curved shape with a layer of material with a low elastic modulus such as a resin material.

[0073] The base material 11 does not have to be a component made of a single material, but may be a component made by laminating layers made of multiple materials.

[0074] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described above, and various modifications are possible. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 10 solar modules 11 Base material 116 Gas Inlet 12 Solar Cells 13 Flow channel cover material 14. Flow channel adhesive 151 Heat exchange channel 156 Gas Inlet 17. Gas chamber cover material 172 Curved section (during operation) 173 Curved section (during storage) 174 Curved section (during storage) 18. Gas chamber adhesive 191 Gas Chamber h3 Height of the gas chamber (during operation) h4 Height of the gas chamber (during storage)

Claims

1. Sheet-like substrate, A solar cell provided on one side of the aforementioned substrate, A temperature control means located on the surface of the substrate opposite to the surface on which the solar cell is provided, A gas chamber cover material is joined in a pattern to the surface of the temperature adjustment means opposite to the surface on which the substrate is located. The gas chamber cover material comprises a region not joined to the temperature adjustment means and a gas chamber in contact with the temperature adjustment means, The gas chamber cover material is a solar cell module having a first curved shape that protrudes in the direction opposite to the direction in which the solar cell is installed in the region in contact with the gas chamber.

2. The solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein the gas chamber cover material is deformable in the region into a first curved shape and a second curved shape different from the first curved shape, and the height of the gas chamber in the second curved shape is smaller than the height of the gas chamber in the first curved shape.

3. The solar cell module according to claim 2, wherein the second curved shape is a continuous curved shape extending in the direction opposite to the direction in which the solar cell is installed and a curved shape extending in the same direction as the direction in which the solar cell is installed.

4. The solar cell module according to claim 2, further comprising a gas inlet communicating with the aforementioned gas chamber.

5. The solar cell module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the gas chamber has a shape that extends in a first direction parallel to the in-plane direction of the substrate.

6. A solar cell module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a plurality of the gas chambers, wherein the gas chambers are arranged in a second direction parallel to the in-plane direction of the substrate and intersecting the first direction.

7. The solar cell module according to claim 6, having a first gas communication passage that connects a plurality of the gas chambers.

8. A solar cell module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a plurality of the gas chambers, wherein the gas chambers are arranged in a direction intersecting the in-plane direction of the substrate.

9. The solar cell module according to claim 8, having a second gas communication passage that connects a plurality of the aforementioned gas chambers.

10. The solar cell module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the temperature adjustment means includes a flow channel cover material bonded in a pattern to the surface of the substrate opposite to the surface on which the solar cell is provided, and a region of the flow channel cover material that is not bonded to the substrate and a heat exchange flow channel that is in contact with the substrate and at least a portion of which is positioned opposite the solar cell across the substrate, and at least a portion of the heat exchange flow channel is positioned opposite the gas chamber across the flow channel cover material.

11. The solar cell module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the temperature control means includes a resistive heating element in which at least a portion is positioned facing the solar cell with the substrate in between, and at least a portion of the resistive heating element is positioned facing the gas chamber with the gas chamber cover material in between.

12. The solar cell module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the temperature control means includes a thermal conductive material made of a material having a thermal conductivity coefficient in the in-plane direction higher than the thermal conductivity coefficient of the substrate, adjacent to the surface of the substrate opposite to the surface on which the solar cell is provided, and at least a portion of the thermal conductive material is positioned opposite the gas chamber with the gas chamber cover material in between.

13. The solar cell module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the gas chamber cover material is made of a resin material.

14. The solar cell module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the gas chamber cover material is a laminate of multiple materials having different gas permeability and elastic modulus.

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