Photovoltaic module

Abstract

We provide a photovoltaic module that simplifies the configuration. [Solution] The photovoltaic module 1 is generally configured to include a plurality of photovoltaic elements 2 having a first electrode 21 and a second electrode 22, a plurality of flexible substrates 3 forming a first electrode region 31 electrically connected to the first electrode 21 of the photovoltaic element 2 and a second electrode region 32 electrically connected to the second electrode 22, and an electronic circuit 6 configured in which the first electrode region 31 and the second electrode region 32 of the plurality of flexible substrates 3 are electrically connected via the plurality of photovoltaic elements 2.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a photovoltaic module.

Background Art

[0002] As a conventional technology, there is known clothing with a solar cell in which a sheet-type solar cell is detachably attached to a plurality of transparent pockets formed in clothing (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In this clothing with a solar cell, the sheet-type solar cell and an external device are connected via wiring.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Conventional clothing with a solar cell, for example, when attaching a plurality of sheet-type solar cells, in order to supply power from the plurality of sheet-type solar cells to an external device, it is connected by a plurality of wirings, so there is a problem that the configuration becomes complicated.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a photovoltaic module capable of simplifying the configuration.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a photovoltaic module comprising: a plurality of photovoltaic elements having a first electrode and a second electrode; a plurality of flexible substrates forming a first electrode region electrically connected to the first electrode of the photovoltaic element and a second electrode region electrically connected to the second electrode; and an electronic circuit configured such that the first electrode region and the second electrode region of the plurality of flexible substrates are electrically connected via the plurality of photovoltaic elements. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the configuration can be simplified. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1(a) is a diagram showing an example of a photovoltaic module according to an embodiment, and Figure 1(b) is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a photovoltaic module. [Figure 2] Figure 2(a) shows an example of the first electrode region, second electrode region, and surrounding region of a photovoltaic module according to an embodiment, and Figure 2(b) shows an example of the electronic circuit of the photovoltaic module. [Figure 3] Figure 3(a) shows an example of the front side of the insulating sheet before the photovoltaic elements of the photovoltaic module according to the embodiment are arranged, and Figure 3(b) shows an example of the back side of the insulating sheet after multiple flexible substrates have been arranged. [Figure 4] Figure 4(a) shows an example of a photovoltaic module according to an embodiment in which the photovoltaic elements are connected in series, and Figure 4(b) shows an example of an electronic circuit when the photovoltaic elements are connected in series. [Figure 5] Figure 5(a) shows an example of a photovoltaic module according to an embodiment in which series and parallel connections of photovoltaic elements are mixed, and Figure 5(b) shows an example of an electronic circuit when the photovoltaic elements are connected in series and parallel. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] (Summary of the embodiment) The photovoltaic module according to the embodiment is generally configured to include: a plurality of photovoltaic elements having a first electrode and a second electrode; a plurality of flexible substrates forming a first electrode region electrically connected to the first electrode of the photovoltaic element and a second electrode region electrically connected to the second electrode; and an electronic circuit configured in which the first electrode region and the second electrode region of the plurality of flexible substrates are electrically connected via the plurality of photovoltaic elements.

[0011] This photovoltaic module uses multiple flexible circuit boards, rather than wiring, to form an electronic circuit along with multiple photovoltaic elements. Compared to configurations that do not employ this approach, the complexity of routing multiple wires is reduced, and the overall structure can be simplified.

[0012] [Embodiment] (Overview of Photovoltaic Module 1) Figure 1(a) is a diagram showing an example of a photovoltaic module according to an embodiment, and Figure 1(b) is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a photovoltaic module. Figure 2(a) is a diagram showing an example of the first electrode region, second electrode region, and surrounding region of a photovoltaic module according to an embodiment, and Figure 2(b) is a diagram showing an example of the electronic circuit of a photovoltaic module. Figure 3(a) is a diagram showing an example of the front side of the insulating sheet before the photovoltaic element of the photovoltaic module according to an embodiment is placed, and Figure 3(b) is a diagram showing an example of the back side of the insulating sheet after the multiple flexible substrates are placed. Figure 2(b) schematically shows a cross-section of the location where the photovoltaic element 2 is located. The first electrode region 31, the second electrode region 32, the third electrode region 33, and the surrounding electrode region 34 are regions made of flexible substrate 3 enclosed by dotted lines.

[0013] In the figures relating to the embodiments described below, the ratios and shapes between figures may differ from the actual ratios and shapes. First, an overview of the photovoltaic module 1 will be described below.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1(a) to 2(b), the photovoltaic module 1 generally includes a plurality of photovoltaic elements 2 having a first electrode 21 and a second electrode 22, a first electrode region 31 electrically connected to the first electrode 21 of the photovoltaic element 2, and a plurality of flexible substrates 3 forming a second electrode region 32 electrically connected to the second electrode 22, and an electronic circuit 6 configured by electrically connecting the first electrode region 31 and the second electrode region 32 of the plurality of flexible substrates 3 via the plurality of photovoltaic elements 2.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2(a), when the plurality of photovoltaic elements 2 are electrically connected in parallel, the plurality of flexible substrates 3 are formed with the first electrode region 31 sandwiching the second electrode region 32.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2(a), the plurality of flexible substrates 3 further have a peripheral electrode region 34 surrounding the first electrode region 31 and the second electrode region 32. This peripheral electrode region 34 is electrically connected to the first electrode region 31 via a plurality of diodes 4.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1(b), the photovoltaic module 1 also generally includes an insulating sheet 5 disposed between the plurality of photovoltaic elements 2 and the plurality of flexible substrates 3, and a first sealing sheet 11 and a second sealing sheet 12 for sealing the plurality of photovoltaic elements 2, the plurality of diodes 4, the insulating sheet 5, and the plurality of flexible substrates 3.

[0018] (Configuration of Photovoltaic Element 2) The photovoltaic element 2 is, for example, an element that converts the light energy of the light 9 input to the cell 20 into electrical energy. The photovoltaic element 2 is, for example, an organic solar cell, a silicon solar cell, a compound solar cell, an organic-inorganic hybrid solar cell, etc. The photovoltaic element 2 of the present embodiment is, as an example, a perovskite solar cell that is excellent in thinness and flexibility and is further lightweight.

[0019] The plurality of photovoltaic elements 2 in this embodiment are, as an example, the first photovoltaic element 2a to the fourth photovoltaic element 2d as shown in Fig. 2(a). In the photovoltaic module 1, the first photovoltaic element 2a to the fourth photovoltaic element 2d are arranged clockwise from the lower left of the plane of Fig. 2(a). The first electrode 21 is, for example, a positive electrode. The second electrode 22 is, for example, a negative electrode. The first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 are provided in a peripheral portion 23 including a transparent electrode provided around the cell 20 and are electrically connected to the cell 20.

[0020] (Configuration of the flexible substrate 3) The plurality of flexible substrates 3 in this embodiment are, as an example, the first flexible substrate 3a to the sixth flexible substrate 3f as shown in Fig. 2(a). In the photovoltaic module 1, as shown in Fig. 2(a), the first flexible substrate 3a and the fourth flexible substrate 3d face each other with the fifth flexible substrate 3e interposed therebetween, and the second flexible substrate 3b and the third flexible substrate 3c face each other. The sixth flexible substrate 3f is arranged so as to surround the first flexible substrate 3a to the fifth flexible substrate 3e.

[0021] The first flexible substrate 3a to the fourth flexible substrate 3d are rectangular and have the same shape as shown in Fig. 3(b), but are not limited thereto. The fifth flexible substrate 3e has a longitudinal length that is the sum of the lengths of the first flexible substrate 3a and the second flexible substrate 3b, and a transverse length that is wider than that of the first flexible substrate 3a, etc., but is not limited thereto. The sixth flexible substrate 3f has an elongated shape and has a shape that surrounds the first flexible substrate 3a to the fifth flexible substrate 3e.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2(a), the flexible substrate 3 has a positive electrode pad 35 and a negative electrode pad 36. The positive electrode pad 35 is provided on the sixth flexible substrate 3f. The negative electrode pad 36 is provided on the fifth flexible substrate 3e. As shown in Figure 3(b), the positive electrode pad 35 and the negative electrode pad 36 are provided adjacent to each other, and the first wiring 350 and the second wiring 360 are attached to them.

[0023] The first wiring 350 and the second wiring 360 are electrically connected to the electronic device 8, as shown in Figure 2(b). This electronic device 8 drives loads such as motors or charges rechargeable batteries based on the power P output from the photovoltaic module 1, but is not limited to these functions.

[0024] The first electrode region 31 is the region including the first flexible substrates 3a to the fourth flexible substrates 3d to which the first electrode 21 of the photovoltaic element 2 is electrically connected. The second electrode region 32 is the region including the fifth flexible substrate 3e to which the second electrode 22 of the photovoltaic element 2 is electrically connected. The surrounding electrode region 34 is the region including the sixth flexible substrate 3f.

[0025] The flexible substrate of this embodiment is a conductive fabric. The conductive fabric can be, for example, a metal knitted fabric made by knitting metal fibers, a conductive fabric made by weaving a metal knitted fabric into a cloth shape, a conductive fabric in which a metal layer is provided on resin fibers, or a fabric made by knitting fibers (innermost tube: PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) / intermediate layer: Cu / outer layer: AG or Ni).

[0026] (Configuration of diode 4) Diode 4 prevents the reverse flow of power generated by the photovoltaic element 2. Diode 4 may also be a jumper diode.

[0027] The multiple diodes 4 in this embodiment are the first diode 4a to the fourth diode 4d, as shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b). The first diode 4a electrically connects the first flexible substrate 3a and the sixth flexible substrate 3f. The second diode 4b electrically connects the second flexible substrate 3b and the sixth flexible substrate 3f. The third diode 4c electrically connects the third flexible substrate 3c and the sixth flexible substrate 3f. The fourth diode 4d electrically connects the fourth flexible substrate 3d and the sixth flexible substrate 3f.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2(b), diode 4 is connected in series with the first electrode 21 side of the photovoltaic element 2. In the photovoltaic module 1, diode 4 is connected in series with each photovoltaic element 2, and the photovoltaic elements 2 with diode 4 connected in series are connected in parallel to form an electronic circuit 6.

[0029] (Composition of insulating sheet 5) The insulating sheet 5 has insulating properties. This insulating sheet 5 may be transparent or opaque. The insulating sheet 5 is formed using, for example, polyurethane, silicone, polyester, polyimide, etc.

[0030] As shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), the insulating sheet 5 has multiple flexible substrates 3 and multiple diodes 4 attached to its back surface 51. The flexible substrates 3 are, for example, bonded to the insulating sheet 5, but may also be sewn, and are not limited to this.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3(a), the insulating sheet 5 has a rectangular shape, with first openings 52a to eighth openings 52h.

[0032] The first opening 52a exposes the first flexible substrate 3a. The second opening 52b exposes the second flexible substrate 3b. The third opening 52c exposes the third flexible substrate 3c. The fourth opening 52d exposes the fourth flexible substrate 3d. The fifth to eighth openings 52e to 52h expose the fifth flexible substrate 3e.

[0033] The first photovoltaic element 2a is placed on the surface 50 of the insulating sheet 5, with the first electrode 21 electrically connected to the first flexible substrate 3a via the first opening 52a, and the second electrode 22 electrically connected to the fifth flexible substrate 3e via the seventh opening 52g.

[0034] The second photovoltaic element 2b is placed on the surface 50 of the insulating sheet 5, with the first electrode 21 electrically connected to the second flexible substrate 3b via the second opening 52b, and the second electrode 22 electrically connected to the fifth flexible substrate 3e via the fifth opening 52e.

[0035] The third photovoltaic element 2c is placed on the surface 50 of the insulating sheet 5, with the first electrode 21 electrically connected to the third flexible substrate 3c via the third opening 52c, and the second electrode 22 electrically connected to the fifth flexible substrate 3e via the sixth opening 52f.

[0036] The fourth photovoltaic element 2d is placed on the surface 50 of the insulating sheet 5, with the first electrode 21 electrically connected to the fourth flexible substrate 3d via the fourth opening 52d, and the second electrode 22 electrically connected to the fifth flexible substrate 3e via the eighth opening 52h.

[0037] (Configuration of the first sealing sheet 11 and the second sealing sheet 12) As shown in Figure 1(b), the first sealing sheet 11 and the second sealing sheet 12 are provided to seal a plurality of photovoltaic elements 2. Since the second sealing sheet 12 is provided on top of the photovoltaic elements 2, it is made of a material with high light transmittance. The transmittance is, for example, 90% or more.

[0038] The first sealing sheet 11 and the second sealing sheet 12 are transparent tapes made of, for example, a transparent fluorine-based material. Examples of fluorine-based materials include ETFE (Ethylene Tetra Fluoro Ethylen) and PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy Alkane). The adhesive for the transparent tape is, for example, a silicone-based adhesive. These transparent tapes have a water-repellent effect, i.e., a waterproof effect, as well as an anti-fouling effect that suppresses dirt.

[0039] The first sealing sheet 11 and the second sealing sheet 12 cover the flexible substrate 3, the insulating sheet 5, the photovoltaic element 2, and the diode 4. The second sealing sheet 12 has high light transmittance, which suppresses the attenuation of light 9 incident on the cell 20 of the photovoltaic element 2.

[0040] The photovoltaic module 1 can electrically connect the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 to the flexible substrate 3 by bonding the first sealing sheet 11 and the second sealing sheet 12 together.

[0041] (Configuration of electronic circuit 6) As shown in Figure 2(b), the electronic circuit 6 is a circuit in which a diode 4 is electrically connected in series with the photovoltaic element 2, and this pair of photovoltaic element 2 and diode 4 is electrically connected in parallel.

[0042] The following sections will explain the cases where the photovoltaic elements 2 are connected in series and where they are a mix of series and parallel connections.

[0043] (In the case of series connection) Figure 4(a) shows an example of a photovoltaic module according to an embodiment in which the photovoltaic elements are connected in series, and Figure 4(b) shows an example of an electronic circuit when the photovoltaic elements are connected in series.

[0044] As shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), the multiple flexible substrates 3 of the photovoltaic module 1 have a third electrode region 33 to which the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 are electrically connected when the multiple photovoltaic elements 2 are electrically connected in series. The third electrode region 33 is located around the first electrode region 31 and the second electrode region 32, as shown in Figure 4(a). As shown in Figure 4(b), multiple photovoltaic elements 2 are each connected in parallel with a diode 4. The diode 4 electrically connects the first electrode region 31, the second electrode region 32, and the third electrode region 33.

[0045] The multiple flexible substrates 3 are the first flexible substrate 3g, the second flexible substrate 3h, the third flexible substrate 3i, the fourth flexible substrate 3j, and the fifth flexible substrate 3k.

[0046] The first flexible substrate 3g is electrically connected to the second electrode 22 of the first photovoltaic element 2a. The second flexible substrate 3h is electrically connected to the first electrode 21 of the first photovoltaic element 2a and the second electrode 22 of the second photovoltaic element 2b. The third flexible substrate 3i is electrically connected to the first electrode 21 of the second photovoltaic element 2b and the second electrode 22 of the third photovoltaic element 2c. The fourth flexible substrate 3j is electrically connected to the first electrode 21 of the third photovoltaic element 2c and the second electrode 22 of the fourth photovoltaic element 2d. The fifth flexible substrate 3k is electrically connected to the first electrode 21 of the fourth photovoltaic element 2d.

[0047] The first electrode region 31 is the region formed by the fifth flexible substrate 3k. The second electrode region 32 is the region formed by the first flexible substrate 3g. The third electrode region 33 is the region formed by the second flexible substrate 3h to the fourth flexible substrate 3j.

[0048] (When series and parallel connections are mixed) Figure 5(a) is a diagram showing an example of a photovoltaic module according to an embodiment in which series and parallel connections of photovoltaic elements are mixed, and Figure 5(b) is a diagram showing an example of an electronic circuit when the photovoltaic elements are connected in series and parallel. In Figure 5(a), the photovoltaic elements 2 are arranged in the order of the first photovoltaic element 2a, the second photovoltaic element 2b, the fourth photovoltaic element 2d, and the third photovoltaic element 2c, starting from the lower right and moving clockwise, so as shown in the connection order in Figure 5(b).

[0049] As shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), when multiple series groups 25, each consisting of multiple photovoltaic elements 2 electrically connected in series, are electrically connected in parallel, each flexible substrate 3 has multiple third electrode regions 33 to which the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 are electrically connected, and a surrounding electrode region 34 that surrounds the first electrode region 31, the second electrode region 32, and the third electrode region 33. The electronic circuit 6 is configured such that the diode 4 electrically connects the first electrode region 31, the third electrode region 33, and the surrounding electrode region 34, as well as electrically connects the second electrode region 32 and the third electrode region 33.

[0050] The multiple flexible substrates 3 are the first flexible substrate 3p to the sixth flexible substrate 3u. The first flexible substrate 3p is electrically connected to the second electrode 22 of the first photovoltaic element 2a and the second electrode 22 of the third photovoltaic element 2c. The second flexible substrate 3q is electrically connected to the first electrode 21 of the first photovoltaic element 2a and the second electrode 22 of the second photovoltaic element 2b. The third flexible substrate 3r is electrically connected to the first electrode 21 of the second photovoltaic element 2b. The fourth flexible substrate 3s is electrically connected to the first electrode 21 of the fourth photovoltaic element 2d. The fifth flexible substrate 3t is electrically connected to the second electrode 22 of the fourth photovoltaic element 2d and the first electrode 21 of the third photovoltaic element 2c. The sixth flexible substrate 3u is electrically connected to the third flexible substrate 3r via the fifth diode 4e and to the fourth flexible substrate 3s via the sixth diode 4f.

[0051] The multiple series groups 25 include, as an example, a series group 25a composed of a first photovoltaic element 2a and a second photovoltaic element 2b, and a series group 25b composed of a third photovoltaic element 2c and a fourth photovoltaic element 2d, as shown in Figure 5(a). The first to fourth photovoltaic elements 2a to 4d are connected in parallel by the first diodes 4a to 4d. A fifth diode 4e is connected in series with the first electrode 21 side of the second photovoltaic element 2b of series group 25a, and a sixth diode 4f is connected in series with the first electrode 21 side of the fourth photovoltaic element 2d of series group 25b.

[0052] The first electrode region 31 is formed by the third flexible substrate 3r and the fourth flexible substrate 3s. The second electrode region 32 is formed by the first flexible substrate 3p. The third electrode region 33 is formed by the second flexible substrate 3q and the fifth flexible substrate 3t. The surrounding electrode region 34 is formed by the sixth flexible substrate 3u.

[0053] In this embodiment, we have described the case where there are four photovoltaic elements 2 as an example, but we are not limited to this, and there may be more or fewer, and the number may be even or odd.

[0054] (Effects of the embodiment) The photovoltaic module 1 according to this embodiment can be simplified in its configuration. Specifically, the photovoltaic module 1 can arrange multiple electrodes on a single flexible substrate 3 instead of connecting multiple photovoltaic elements 2 with multiple wires, thus simplifying the configuration compared to a configuration that does not employ this approach.

[0055] The photovoltaic module 1 can be electrically connected by placing the photovoltaic elements 2 on a flexible substrate 3 exposed on an insulating sheet 5, thus simplifying assembly during manufacturing compared to cases where wiring is attached using solder or the like.

[0056] Because the photovoltaic module 1 has flexibility in both the photovoltaic element 2 and the flexible substrate 3, it can be easily attached to items with many curved surfaces and requiring flexibility, such as clothing and bags, compared to configurations that do not employ this design.

[0057] In the photovoltaic module 1, multiple diodes 4 are electrically connected to the photovoltaic element 2. Therefore, compared to a configuration that does not employ this setup, the characteristics of a faulty photovoltaic element 2 are less likely to affect the overall characteristics of the photovoltaic module 1.

[0058] The photovoltaic module 1 allows for easy parallel connection of multiple photovoltaic elements 2. Therefore, compared to a configuration without this setting, even if some of the photovoltaic elements 2 fail, the remaining photovoltaic elements 2 can still generate electricity.

[0059] Since the photovoltaic module 1 electrically connects the photovoltaic elements 2 using a flexible substrate 3, disconnections are suppressed compared to cases where the photovoltaic elements are connected to each other with wires.

[0060] Since the photovoltaic module 1 electrically connects the photovoltaic elements 2 using a flexible substrate 3, the design is easier to implement depending on the number and arrangement of the photovoltaic elements 2 compared to cases where the photovoltaic elements are connected to each other with wires.

[0061] Although several embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments and modifications are merely examples and do not limit the invention as defined in the claims. These novel embodiments and modifications can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, not all combinations of features described in these embodiments and modifications are necessarily essential for solving the problem of the invention. Moreover, these embodiments and modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the invention described in the claims and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1...Photovoltaic module, 2...Photovoltaic element, 2a~2d...First photovoltaic element to fourth photovoltaic element, 3...Flexible substrate, 3a~3f...First flexible substrate to sixth flexible substrate, 3g~3k...First flexible substrate to fifth flexible substrate, 3p~3u...First flexible substrate to sixth flexible substrate, 4...Diode, 4a~4f...First diode to sixth diode, 5...Insulating sheet, 6...Electronic circuit, 8…Electronic device, 9…Light, 11…First sealing sheet, 12…Second sealing sheet, 20…Cell, 21…First electrode, 22…Second electrode, 23…Peripheral area, 25,25a,25b…Series group, 31…First electrode region, 32…Second electrode region, 33…Third electrode region, 34…Peripheral electrode region, 35…Positive electrode pad, 36…Negative electrode pad, 50…Front surface, 51…Back surface, 52a~52h…First opening~8th opening, 350…First wiring, 360…Second wiring

Claims

1. A plurality of photovoltaic elements having a first electrode and a second electrode, A plurality of flexible substrates forming a first electrode region electrically connected to the first electrode of the photovoltaic element, and a second electrode region electrically connected to the second electrode, An electronic circuit is configured in which the first electrode region and the second electrode region of a plurality of flexible substrates are electrically connected via a plurality of photovoltaic elements, A photovoltaic module equipped with this module.

2. When multiple photovoltaic elements are electrically connected in parallel, the first electrode region is formed on either side of the second electrode region of the multiple flexible substrates. The photovoltaic module according to claim 1.

3. The plurality of flexible substrates further have surrounding electrode regions that enclose the first electrode region and the second electrode region. The surrounding electrode region is electrically connected to the first electrode region via a plurality of diodes. The photovoltaic module according to claim 2.

4. When the multiple photovoltaic elements are electrically connected in series, the multiple flexible substrates further have a third electrode region to which the first electrode and the second electrode are electrically connected. The third electrode region is located around the first electrode region and the second electrode region. Multiple photovoltaic elements are each connected in parallel with a diode. The diode electrically connects the first electrode region, the second electrode region, and the third electrode region. The photovoltaic module according to claim 1.

5. The multiple flexible substrates have, when multiple series groups of multiple photovoltaic elements electrically connected in series are electrically connected in parallel, a plurality of third electrode regions to which the first electrode and the second electrode are electrically connected, and a surrounding electrode region that surrounds the first electrode region, the second electrode region and the third electrode region. The electronic circuit is configured such that the diode electrically connects the first electrode region, the third electrode region, and the surrounding electrode region, and also electrically connects the second electrode region and the third electrode region. The photovoltaic module according to claim 1.

6. The flexible substrate is a conductive fabric having electrical conductivity. A photovoltaic module according to at least one of claims 1 to 5.

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