Solar cell module mounting structure

Abstract

This invention provides a mounting structure for solar cell modules that can increase the total current generated by multiple solar cell modules mounted on the same curved surface. [Solution] The mounting structure for the solar cell module 11 comprises a plurality of flexible solar cell modules 11 that are attached to the same curved surface formed on the back of the vest 14 worn by the user. The solar cell module 11 has a plurality of rectangular plate-shaped cells 13 that are electrically connected in series with each other. The plurality of cells 13 in the solar cell module 11 are arranged in a line such that the width direction is the direction of alignment. All solar cell modules 11 are arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the cells 13 is the same.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an attachment structure for a solar cell module.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as an attachment structure for a solar cell module, clothing with solar cells in which a plurality of sheet-type solar cells are attached to clothing is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The sheet-type solar cell has a configuration in which a plurality of rectangular sheet-like solar cells are arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction orthogonal to both the longitudinal direction and the thickness direction. The sheet-type solar cell is attached to the clothing by being respectively housed in transparent pockets provided at various positions on the clothing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when a user wears clothing with solar cells, each sheet-type solar cell is often arranged on a curved surface without considering the orientation of the solar cells. The amount of current generated by each solar cell when the sheet-type solar cell is arranged on a curved surface varies depending on the relationship between the orientation of each solar cell and the direction in which sunlight shines. For this reason, a difference occurs in the intensity of light received between a plurality of solar cells for each sheet-type solar cell, so a difference also occurs in the amount of current generated between a plurality of solar cells for each sheet-type solar cell.

[0005] Here, a plurality of solar cells in the sheet-type solar cell are electrically connected in series to each other. For this reason, the amount of current generated by each solar cell in the sheet-type solar cell is adjusted according to the solar cell that generates the least amount of current.

[0006] Therefore, differences in the amount of current generated occur between multiple sheet-type solar cells attached to the same curved surface of clothing. For this reason, there is room for improvement in increasing the total current generated by multiple sheet-type solar cells. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The following describes various configurations of solar cell module mounting structures to solve the above-mentioned problems. [Aspect 1] A mounting structure for a plurality of flexible solar cell modules that are attached to the same curved surface formed on the side of a moving body, wherein the solar cell modules have a plurality of rectangular plate-shaped cells electrically connected in series with each other, the plurality of cells in the solar cell modules are arranged in a line such that the width direction is the direction of alignment, and all the solar cell modules are arranged such that the longitudinal direction of the cells is the same.

[0008] Generally, multiple cells in a solar cell module are electrically connected in series with each other. Therefore, the amount of current generated by each cell in the solar cell module is matched to the cell that generates the least current among the multiple cells. Furthermore, when mounting a solar cell module on a curved surface, if the width direction of the cells in the solar cell module coincides with the direction of light irradiation, then cells with a smaller, sharper angle of inclination relative to the light will receive less light and generate less current. Therefore, the amount of current generated by each of the multiple cells in the solar cell module is matched to the amount of current generated by the cell that generates the least current. Consequently, the total amount of current generated by the multiple cells in the solar cell module becomes extremely small.

[0009] On the other hand, when mounting solar cell modules on a curved surface, if the modules are positioned so that the longitudinal direction of the solar cell modules follows the curve of the surface and coincides with the direction of light irradiation, the intensity of light irradiated to multiple cells will be approximately the same. Therefore, the amount of current generated by each of the multiple cells in the solar cell module will be a certain constant value. Consequently, the total amount of current generated by all the cells in the solar cell module will be significantly greater than when the solar cell modules are positioned so that the width direction of the cells coincides with the direction of light irradiation.

[0010] In this regard, according to the above configuration, when mounting multiple solar cell modules on a curved surface, by arranging all solar cell modules so that the longitudinal direction of the cells of all solar cell modules coincides with the direction of light irradiation, the total amount of current generated by multiple solar cell modules mounted on the same curved surface can be increased.

[0011] [Aspect 2] The mounting structure for a solar cell module according to [Aspect 1], characterized in that all of the solar cell modules are arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the cells is vertical.

[0012] According to the above configuration, when the mobile unit is placed outdoors, strong sunlight, mainly during the day, irradiates all solar cell modules from the longitudinal direction of the cells, thus increasing the total amount of current generated by multiple solar cell modules.

[0013] Incidentally, if all solar cell modules are arranged so that the length of each cell is horizontal, then the morning and evening sunlight, which is weaker than the daytime sunlight, will primarily irradiate all solar cell modules from the length of each cell. As a result, the total amount of current generated by multiple solar cell modules will be less compared to when all solar cell modules are arranged so that the length of each cell is vertical. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The present invention has an effect that it can increase the total current generated by a plurality of solar cell modules attached to the same curved surface.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] It is a rear view of the best with a solar cell module of one embodiment attached. [Figure 2] It is a side view showing the state when the user wears the best of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a top view showing the state when the user wears the best of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] (a) is a front view showing the state when light hits a solar cell module having a plurality of cells arranged in the left - right direction from the left, and (b) is a bar graph showing the current generated by each of the plurality of cells in (a). [Figure 5] (a) is a front view showing the state when light hits a solar cell module having a plurality of cells arranged in the left - right direction from above, and (b) is a bar graph showing the current generated by each of the plurality of cells in (a). [Figure 6] It is an explanatory diagram showing the operation when the best of FIG. 1 is used. [Figure 7] It is an explanatory diagram showing the operation when the best of the comparative example is used. [Figure 8] It is an enlarged view of the main part of the back of the best of the modified example. [Figure 9] It is an enlarged view of the main part of the back of the best of another modified example.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, one embodiment will be described according to the drawings. <Solar Cell Module 11> As shown in FIG. 1, the solar cell module 11 has a configuration in which a plurality (six in this example) of rectangular plate-shaped cells 13 are formed on a substantially square plate-shaped base 12. The base 12 is constituted by, for example, a resin film. The cell 13 is a perovskite type cell. Therefore, the solar cell module 11 has flexibility as a whole.

[0017] The plurality of cells 13 on the base 12 of the solar cell module 11 are arranged parallel to each other such that the width direction (short side direction), which is orthogonal to both their longitudinal direction (long side direction) and thickness direction, becomes the arrangement direction. That is, the plurality of cells 13 on the base 12 are arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction. The plurality of cells 13 are electrically connected in series to each other.

[0018] <Mounting Structure of Solar Cell Module 11> As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, on the back surface of a vest 14, which is an example of clothing worn by a user P as an example of a moving body, a plurality (four in this example) of solar cell modules 11 are attached by, for example, an adhesive or the like. The four solar cell modules 11 are arranged in a grid pattern at equal intervals so as to form two rows and two columns as an example.

[0019] When the user P wears the vest 14, the back surface of the vest 14 curves along the back of the user P, thus forming a convex surface 15 as an example of a curved surface. The four solar cell modules 11 are attached to the same convex surface 15 formed on the back surface of the vest 14 that constitutes the side portion of the user P wearing the vest 14. In this case, since the four solar cell modules 11 have flexibility, they curve following the convex surface 15.

[0020] The four solar cell modules 11, that is, all the solar cell modules 11, are arranged on the convex surface 15 such that the longitudinal directions of their cells 13 are the same. That is, all the solar cell modules 11 are arranged on the convex surface 15 in a posture where the longitudinal direction of the cell 13 is the vertical direction (up and down direction) and the width direction of the cell 13 is the left and right direction.

[0021] <Relationship between the direction of light and the amount of current generated by the solar cell module 11> As shown in Figure 4(a), when light is shone from the left (side) onto a solar cell module 11 that is curved and arranged to follow a convex curved surface 15, the six cells 13 arranged in the left-right direction are designated as cell A, cell B, cell C, cell D, cell E, and cell F, in order from left to right. In this case, as shown in Figure 4(b), the generated currents are I6 for cell A, I5 for cell B, I4 for cell C, I3 for cell D, I2 for cell E, and I1 for cell F. The relationship between the magnitudes of the currents is I6 > I5 > I4 > I3 > I2 > I1.

[0022] In other words, in cells A through F, the current I6 generated is greatest in cell A, which is located closest to the light source (left side) and facing the direction of light incidence. As you move towards cell F, which is located furthest from the light source (right side) and tilted at the smallest acute angle relative to the direction of light incidence, the current generated gradually decreases, resulting in the lowest current I1 being generated in cell F, which is located furthest from the light source (right side). In this case, cells A through F are electrically connected in series with each other.

[0023] Therefore, the amount of current generated in cells A to F is equal to the amount of current I1 generated in cell F, which generates the least current among cells A to F. Consequently, the amount of current generated in one solar cell module 11 having cells A to F is 6 (number of cells 13) × current I1. Thus, the total amount of current generated by the four solar cell modules 11 is 4 (number of solar cell modules 11) × 6 (number of cells 13 in one solar cell module 11) × current I1.

[0024] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5(a), when light is shone from above onto a solar cell module 11 that is curved and arranged to follow the convex surface 15, the light is shone almost uniformly onto cells A to F. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5(b), the amount of current generated in cells A to F is all equal to the current I7. Thus, the amount of current generated by one solar cell module 11 having cells A to F that are electrically connected in series is 6 (number of cells 13) × current I7. Thus, the total amount of current generated by the four solar cell modules 11 is 4 (number of solar cell modules 11) × 6 (number of cells 13 in one solar cell module 11) × current I7. Note that, as shown in Figures 4(b) and 5(b), the relationship between the magnitudes of the currents is I4 > I7 > I3 > I1.

[0025] <Operation of the Embodiment> As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 6, when user P wearing vest 14 is outdoors, the four solar cell modules 11 receive sunlight from the side (left or right) in the morning and evening, while receiving sunlight from above during the day.

[0026] Therefore, the total amount of current generated by the four solar cell modules 11 from morning to evening is 4 (number of solar cell modules 11) × 6 (number of cells 13 in one solar cell module 11) × current I1 generated in one cell 13 during the morning and evening hours + 4 (number of solar cell modules 11) × 6 (number of cells 13 in one solar cell module 11) × current I7 generated in one cell 13 during the daytime hours.

[0027] Thus, the four solar cell modules 11 of this embodiment are arranged so that the longitudinal direction of each cell 13 is vertical (up and down) in order to generate current most efficiently during the daytime when sunlight is strongest. For this reason, the four solar cell modules 11 of this embodiment generate little current during the morning and evening hours, but generate a very large amount of current during the daytime hours. Consequently, the total amount of current generated by the four solar cell modules 11 of this embodiment from morning to evening is maximized.

[0028] The current generated by the four solar cell modules 11 of this embodiment is stored in, for example, a battery (not shown) and then used to power small electrical devices such as smartphones.

[0029] <Effect of the comparative example> Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, a comparative example was provided in which two of the four solar cell modules 11 attached to the back of the best 14 of the above embodiment were arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the cells 13 was in the left-right direction. Outdoors, the four solar cell modules 11 of the comparative example receive sunlight from the side (left or right) in the morning and evening, while receiving sunlight from above during the day, similar to the above embodiment.

[0030] Therefore, the total current generated by the four solar cell modules 11 in the comparative example from morning to evening is 2 (number of solar cell modules 11) × 6 (number of cells 13 in one solar cell module 11) × 1 cell 13 current I1 + 2 (number of solar cell modules 11) × 6 (number of cells 13 in one solar cell module 11) × 1 cell 13 current I7.

[0031] Thus, in the comparative example, two of the four solar cell modules 11 are arranged so that the longitudinal direction of each cell 13 is vertical (up and down), while the remaining two are arranged so that the longitudinal direction of each cell 13 is horizontal. Therefore, the amount of current generated by the four solar cell modules 11 of the comparative example is constant regardless of the time of day (morning, noon, or evening). However, the total amount of current generated by the four solar cell modules 11 of the comparative example from morning to evening is less than the total amount of current generated by the four solar cell modules 11 of this embodiment from morning to evening.

[0032] <Effects of the Embodiment> According to the embodiments described in detail above, the following effects are achieved. (1) The mounting structure of the solar cell module 11 comprises a plurality of flexible solar cell modules 11 that are attached to the same convex curved surface 15 formed on the back of the vest 14 worn by the user P. The solar cell module 11 has a plurality of rectangular plate-shaped cells 13 that are electrically connected in series with each other. The plurality of cells 13 in the solar cell module 11 are arranged in a line such that the width direction is the direction of alignment. All solar cell modules 11 are arranged such that the longitudinal direction of the cells 13 is the vertical direction.

[0033] According to the above configuration, when user P wearing vest 14 is outdoors, strong midday sunlight primarily irradiates all solar cell modules 11 from the longitudinal direction of the cells 13. Therefore, the total amount of current generated by multiple solar cell modules 11 from morning to evening can be increased.

[0034] Incidentally, if all solar cell modules 11 are arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the cells 13 is, for example, horizontal, then the morning and evening sunlight, which is weaker than the midday sunlight, will mainly irradiate all solar cell modules 11 from the longitudinal direction of the cells 13. As a result, the total amount of current generated by multiple solar cell modules 11 will be less compared to the case where all solar cell modules 11 are arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the cells 13 is vertical.

[0035] <Example of changes> The above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. Furthermore, the above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0036] As shown in Figure 8, all four solar cell modules 11 may be arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the cells 13 is in the left-right direction (horizontal direction). In this way, when light is shone on each solar cell module 11 from the left or right direction, each solar cell module 11 can efficiently generate current. In other words, the total amount of current generated by the four solar cell modules 11 can be increased. In this case, the light shone on each solar cell module 11 may be morning or evening sunlight outdoors, or artificial light indoors. In particular, since cell 13 is a perovskite type cell, it can generate sufficient current even with indoor artificial light which is weaker than sunlight.

[0037] As shown in Figure 9, all four solar cell modules 11 may be arranged diagonally so that the longitudinal direction of the cells 13 is oblique to the vertical direction. In this way, when light from an illuminator or sunlight is shone on each solar cell module 11 from an oblique direction, each solar cell module 11 can efficiently generate current. In other words, the total amount of current generated by the four solar cell modules 11 can be increased.

[0038] The number of solar cell modules 11 to be mounted on the curved surface is not limited to four; it can be changed as appropriate, as long as there are two or more. In this case, the solar cell modules 11 may be placed adjacent to each other or spaced apart.

[0039] • Multiple solar cell modules 11 may be of different sizes, as long as the longitudinal direction of the cells 13 is the same. The number of cells 13 in a single solar cell module 11 is not limited to six, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0040] The garment to which multiple solar cell modules 11 are attached is not limited to a vest 14; for example, it could be a jacket with sleeves. The curved surface is not limited to a convex surface 15; for example, it may also be a concave surface.

[0041] The moving object is not limited to user P (a person), but may also be a vehicle such as a car or train. In this case, multiple solar cell modules 11 are attached to the same curved surface formed on the side of the vehicle. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0042] 11… Solar cell modules 12…Base 13, A~F…Cells 14… Best 15...Convex curved surface I1~I7…Current amount P...User

Claims

1. A mounting structure for multiple flexible solar cell modules that are attached to the same curved surface formed on the side of a moving body, The solar cell module has a plurality of rectangular plate-shaped cells that are electrically connected in series with each other. The plurality of cells in the solar cell module are arranged in a line such that the width direction is the direction of alignment. A mounting structure for solar cell modules, characterized in that all of the solar cell modules are arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the cells is the same.

2. The mounting structure for a solar cell module according to claim 1, characterized in that all of the solar cell modules are arranged such that the longitudinal direction of the cells is in the vertical direction.

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