Curved photovoltaic tile and photovoltaic module

Abstract

A curved photovoltaic tile (100), comprising a plurality of solar cells (10) and solder ribbons (20). In a first direction (D1), adjacent solar cells (10) are partially stacked. Each solder ribbon (20) connects two adjacent solar cells (10) and comprises a plurality of first soldering segments (21) and at least one second soldering segment (22), wherein each first soldering segment (21) is connected to a corresponding solar cell (10), and the second soldering segment (22) connects two adjacent first soldering segments (21) in the first direction (D1); the second soldering segment (22) is located between two adjacent solar cells (10) and spans an overlap area (11) of the two adjacent solar cells (10); and the second soldering segment (22) is flat.

Description

Curved photovoltaic tiles and photovoltaic modules

[0001] Priority information

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to patent application No. 202422520290.4, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on October 17, 2024, and patent application No. 202422581199.3, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on October 24, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of photovoltaic technology, and more specifically, to a curved photovoltaic tile and a photovoltaic module. Background Technology

[0004] Photovoltaic tiles are devices that convert solar energy into light energy. A photovoltaic tile consists of multiple solar cells, typically connected by solder ribbons made of a silver-containing material. The inventors noticed that the surface of the solder ribbons is relatively smooth and easily reflects light. When photovoltaic tiles are installed on roofs, the reflected light can have adverse effects. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a curved photovoltaic tile and a photovoltaic module.

[0006] The curved photovoltaic tile of this application includes multiple solar cells and a welding strip. Along a first direction, two adjacent solar cells are partially stacked. The welding strip connects two adjacent solar cells and includes multiple first welding segments and at least one second welding segment. The first welding segment is connected to a corresponding solar cell, and the second welding segment connects two adjacent first welding segments along the first direction. The second welding segment is located between two adjacent solar cells and spans the stacked area of ​​the two adjacent solar cells. The second welding segment is flat.

[0007] In the curved photovoltaic tile of this application embodiment, the welding strip can realize the electrical connection of multiple solar cells. The second welding segment is located between two adjacent solar cells and spans the stacked area of ​​the two adjacent solar cells. The second welding segment is flat, which increases the contact area between the second welding segment and the solar cell, reduces the pressure on the solar cell, and thus reduces defects such as cracks in the solar cell.

[0008] The photovoltaic module of this application includes a plurality of curved photovoltaic tiles as described above, and the plurality of curved photovoltaic tiles are electrically connected.

[0009] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein:

[0011] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the curved photovoltaic tile according to an embodiment of this application;

[0012] Figure 2 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the curved photovoltaic tile according to an embodiment of this application;

[0013] Figure 3 is a side view of the curved photovoltaic tile according to an embodiment of this application;

[0014] Figure 4 is a partial schematic diagram of the solder strip in an embodiment of this application;

[0015] Figure 5 is a side view of the first welding segment according to an embodiment of this application;

[0016] Figure 6 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the curved photovoltaic tile according to an embodiment of this application;

[0017] Figure 7 is a side view of the curved photovoltaic tile according to an embodiment of this application.

[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 100-Curved photovoltaic tile; 10-Solar cell; 11-Layered area; 12-First surface; 13-Second surface; 20-Strip; 21-First welded section; 211-Texture; 212-First groove; 213-Second groove; 22-Second welded section; 30-Back panel; 40-Face panel; D1-First direction; D2-Second direction. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0020] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0021] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different structures of this application. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples and settings are described below. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or settings discussed. In addition, various specific examples of processes and materials are provided in this application, but those skilled in the art will recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0022] In related technologies, photovoltaic tiles consist of solar cells and solder ribbons, which connect the solar cells in series. To increase the light-receiving area of ​​the photovoltaic tile and improve its photoelectric conversion efficiency, adjacent solar cells are partially stacked, with the solder ribbon passing through the stacked area between the two cells. Since photovoltaic tiles are generally multi-layered, and these multi-layered structures need to be joined together by pressing, during the manufacturing process, the pressure exerted on the solder ribbon and solar cells can cause defects such as cracks at the stacked position of adjacent solar cells.

[0023] Please refer to Figures 1-4. The curved photovoltaic tile 100 of this application embodiment includes a plurality of solar cells 10 and a welding strip 20. Along the first direction D1, two adjacent solar cells 10 are partially stacked. The welding strip 20 connects two adjacent solar cells 10. The welding strip 20 includes a plurality of first welding segments 21 and at least one second welding segment 22. The first welding segment 21 is connected to a corresponding solar cell 10. The second welding segment 22 connects two adjacent first welding segments 21 along the first direction D1. The second welding segment 22 is located between two adjacent solar cells 10 and spans the stacked area 11 of the two adjacent solar cells 10. The second welding segment 22 is flat.

[0024] In the curved photovoltaic tile 100 of this application embodiment, the welding strip 20 can realize the electrical connection of multiple solar cells 10. The second welding segment 22 is located between two adjacent solar cells 10 and spans the stacked area 11 of the two adjacent solar cells 10. The second welding segment 22 is flat, which increases the contact area between the second welding segment 22 and the solar cell 10, reduces the pressure on the solar cell 10, and thus reduces defects such as cracks in the solar cell 10.

[0025] Please refer to Figures 1-5. The curved photovoltaic tile 100 of this application embodiment includes a plurality of solar cells 10 and a welding strip 20. The plurality of solar cells 10 are arranged along at least one direction. The welding strip 20 connects two adjacent solar cells 10 along a first direction D1. The welding strip 20 includes a plurality of first welding segments 21 and at least one second welding segment 22. The first welding segment 21 is connected to a corresponding solar cell 10. The length of the first welding segment 21 is greater than the length of the second welding segment 22. The second welding segment 22 connects two adjacent first welding segments 21 along the first direction D1. The second welding segment 22 is located between two adjacent solar cells 10. The surface of the first welding segment 21 is arc-shaped, and the surface 210 of the first welding segment 21 is textured with a texture 211.

[0026] In the curved photovoltaic tile 100 of this application embodiment, the length of the first welding segment 21 is greater than the length of the second welding segment 22, and the surface 210 of the first welding segment 21 is arc-shaped, so that the surface area of ​​the first welding segment 21 facing a single direction is small, which is beneficial to reduce light reflection. Furthermore, the surface 210 of the first welding segment 21 is formed with a texture 211, which can further reduce light reflection, thereby reducing the adverse effects that the reflected light from the curved photovoltaic tile 100 may have.

[0027] Specifically, the curved photovoltaic tile 100 is a photovoltaic product with a curved outer surface. The curved photovoltaic tile 100 has a larger light-receiving area and is less prone to water accumulation, making it suitable for rooftops, outdoor flat ground, and other applications. The solar cell 10 converts light energy into electrical energy. The solar cell 10 can be manufactured using Perc (Passivated Emitter Rear Cell) technology or Topcon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) technology. The solar cell 10 can be curved after pressing.

[0028] Multiple solar cells 10 can be arranged in a flat layout. The number of solar cells 10 can be set according to specific needs, such as 2, 3, 10, 50, etc.

[0029] The solder ribbon 20 is used to electrically connect multiple solar cells 10. The solder ribbon 20 can be made of conductive materials such as silver, tin, or alloys to improve its conductivity. The first welding segment 21 of the solder ribbon 20 can be welded to the solar cell 10. The number of second welding segments 22 is one less than the number of first welding segments 21. For example, when there are two first welding segments 21, there is one second welding segment 22. The first welding segment 21 and the second welding segment 22 can be an integral structure.

[0030] The surface 210 of the first welding segment 21 is arc-shaped, meaning that the surface of the first welding segment 21 exposed outside the solar cell 10 can be enveloped by two arc-shaped surfaces. Before the texture 211 is formed, the surface 210 of the first welding segment 21 can be a smooth surface. After the texture 211 is formed, the surface roughness of the first welding segment 21 increases, causing some light to be diffusely reflected and absorbed by the surface 210, or reflected back to the solar cell 10, thereby reducing the amount of light reflected from the welding ribbon to the curved photovoltaic tile 100. The texture 211 of the surface 210 of the first welding segment 21 can be formed by a wire drawing process.

[0031] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, in some embodiments, the texture 211 has a first groove 212 extending along the length direction of the first welded segment 21. This facilitates the formation of the texture 211 on the surface of the first welded segment 21, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the curved photovoltaic tile 100.

[0032] Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the first groove 212 can be circular, triangular, or other shapes. Along the extension direction perpendicular to the first welding segment 21, there can be multiple first grooves 212, and these multiple first grooves 212 can be arranged at intervals.

[0033] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, in some embodiments, the texture 211 has a second groove 213, the extension direction of which intersects the extension direction of the first groove 212. Thus, the second groove 213 and the first groove 212 together make the texture 211 formed on the surface of the first welded segment 21 rougher, which helps to reduce light reflection of the first welded segment 21.

[0034] Referring to Figure 3, in some embodiments, the battery cell 10 includes a first surface 12 and a second surface 13 facing away from each other. In two adjacent battery cells 10, the first surface 12 of one battery cell 10 is provided with a first welding section 21, and the second surface 13 of the other battery cell 10 is provided with a first welding section 21.

[0035] In this way, the solder ribbon 20 is connected to the solar cell 10 in an interlaced manner, which reduces the area of ​​the solder ribbon 20 on the same side of all solar cells 10, thereby reducing light reflection.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the first surface 12 of the left battery cell 10 is provided with a first welding section 21, and the second surface 13 of the right battery cell 10 is provided with a second welding section 22.

[0037] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, in some embodiments, the second welding segment 22 is flat. The surface of the second welding segment 22 with the largest area faces the battery cell 10. In this way, the contact area between the second welding segment 22 and the battery cell 10 is increased, reducing the pressure on the battery cell 10, thereby reducing defects such as cracks in the battery cell 10.

[0038] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in some embodiments, two adjacent battery cells 10 are partially stacked along the first direction D1, and a second welding segment 22 spans the stacked area 11 of the two adjacent battery cells 10. The stacked area 11 of the two adjacent battery cells 10 refers to the area where the two adjacent battery cells 10 have overlapping areas. The second welding segment 22 spanning this stacked area 11 means that the ends of the second welding segment 22 along the first direction D1 extend beyond the stacked area 11. The second welding segment 22 being flat means that the width of the second welding segment 22 is greater than its height.

[0039] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in some embodiments, two adjacent battery cells 10 are spaced apart along the first direction D1, and the two ends of the second welding section 22 are respectively connected to the two adjacent battery cells 10.

[0040] Referring to Figure 4, in some embodiments, the width of the first welding segment 21 is W1, and the width of the second welding segment 22 is W2, where 2 ≤ W2 / W1 ≤ 3. Alternatively, the width of the second welding segment 22 is greater than the width of the first welding segment 21. This allows the solder strip 20 to have a larger width at the second welding segment 22, which helps to reduce the contact area between the solder strip 20 and the stacked area 11 of the battery cell 10, thus reducing the risk of cracks in the battery cell 10.

[0041] Specifically, W2 / W1 can be values ​​such as 2, 2.2, 2.5, 3, etc. It can be understood that since the solder strip 20 is in the form of a long filament, the length of the solder strip 20 is the maximum dimension of the solder strip 20, the height direction and the length direction of the solder strip 20 are perpendicular to each other, and the height direction of the solder strip 20 is the same as the thickness direction of the battery cell 10.

[0042] Referring to Figure 3, in some embodiments, the height of the first welding segment 21 is H1, and the height of the second welding segment 22 is H2, where 2 ≤ H1 / H2 ≤ 5. Alternatively, the height of the first welding segment 21 is greater than the height of the second welding segment 22, making it easier for the second welding segment 22 to form a flat shape. Specifically, H1 / H2 can be values ​​such as 2, 2.5, 3, 4, and 5. The second welding segment 22 can be formed by pressing a welding segment of the same specifications as the first welding segment 21, resulting in a flat shape for the second welding segment 22.

[0043] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, in some embodiments, the width of the second welding segment 22 is W2, and the height of the second welding segment 22 is H2, where 3 ≤ W2 / H2 ≤ 14. For example, W2 / H2 can be values ​​such as 3, 3.5, 6, 9, and 14. Thus, the width-to-height ratio of the second welding segment 22 is relatively large, the second welding segment 22 is flat, and the contact area between the second welding segment 22 and the solar cell 10 is large. This can reduce the pressure on the solar cell 10 during the manufacturing process of the curved photovoltaic tile 100, and reduce the risk of hidden cracks in the solar cell 10.

[0044] In some embodiments, the first weld segment 21 has a circular cross-section. This makes the first weld segment 21 easier to form and can reduce the manufacturing cost of the curved photovoltaic tile 100. Specifically, a single circular strip can be used, with a portion of the strip flattened, so that the flattened portion forms the second weld segment 22, and the unflattened portion forms the first weld segment 21.

[0045] Referring to Figure 4, in some embodiments, the width of the first welding segment 21 is W1, where 0.18mm ≤ W1 ≤ 0.26mm. For example, W1 can be 0.18mm, 0.20mm, 0.24mm, 0.26mm, etc. Thus, when the first welding segment 21 is within the above range, it saves materials while meeting the conductivity requirements, reducing the manufacturing cost of the photovoltaic tile.

[0046] Referring to Figure 4, in some embodiments, the width of the second welding segment 22 is W2, where 0.3mm ≤ W2 ≤ 0.7mm. For example, W2 can be 0.3mm, 0.35mm, 0.4mm, 0.7mm, etc. Thus, the second welding segment 22 has a larger width, which increases the contact area between the second welding segment 22 and the battery cell 10, reducing the risk of cracks appearing in the battery cell 10.

[0047] Referring to Figure 3, in some embodiments, the height of the first welding segment 21 is H1, where 0.18mm ≤ H1 ≤ 0.26mm. For example, H1 can be 0.18mm, 0.20mm, 0.24mm, 0.26mm, etc. Thus, when the first welding segment 21 is within the above range, it saves material while meeting the conductivity requirements, reducing the manufacturing cost of the photovoltaic tile. It can be understood that when the cross-section of the first welding segment 21 is circular, the height and width of the first welding segment 21 are equal, and both are equal to the diameter of the first welding segment 21.

[0048] Referring to Figure 3, in some embodiments, the height of the second welding segment 22 is H2, where 0.05mm ≤ H2 ≤ 0.09mm. For example, H2 can be 0.05mm, 0.06mm, 0.07mm, 0.09mm, etc. Thus, the height of the second welding segment 22 is relatively small, and when the width of the second welding segment 22 is constant, material can be saved, reducing the manufacturing cost of the photovoltaic tile.

[0049] Referring to Figure 2, in some embodiments, two adjacent solar cells 10 are connected by multiple solder ribbons 20 along a first direction D1. These solder ribbons 20 are spaced apart along a second direction D2, which intersects with the first direction D1. Thus, the multiple solder ribbons 20 can improve the overcurrent capacity of the electrical connection between the two solar cells 10, and even if one solder ribbon 20 breaks, the other solder ribbons 20 can still electrically connect the two solar cells 10, improving the reliability of the curved photovoltaic tile 100. In this embodiment, the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are arranged perpendicularly.

[0050] Referring to Figure 1, in some embodiments, the curved photovoltaic tile 100 further includes a back sheet 30 and a panel 40 stacked with the back sheet 30, with the solar cell 10 disposed between the back sheet 30 and the panel 40. Thus, the back sheet 30 and the panel 40 can protect the solar cell 10 and improve the lifespan of the curved photovoltaic tile 100. Specifically, the back sheet 30 can be made of metal or polymer material, and the panel 40 can be made of a light-transmitting material, allowing light to pass through the panel 40 and reach the solar cell 10. Both the back sheet 30 and the panel 40 are curved panels, and the back sheet 30 and the panel 40 can have curved peaks and troughs.

[0051] The photovoltaic module (not shown) according to the embodiments of this application includes multiple curved photovoltaic tiles 100, which are electrically connected. Thus, the electrical connection of multiple curved photovoltaic tiles 100 can increase the power generation of the photovoltaic module.

[0052] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0053] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the described embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0054] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A curved photovoltaic tile, wherein, The curved photovoltaic tile includes: Multiple solar cells are partially stacked in adjacent pairs along a first direction; The welding strip connects two adjacent solar cells. The welding strip includes a plurality of first welding segments and at least one second welding segment. The first welding segment is connected to a corresponding solar cell. The second welding segment connects two adjacent first welding segments along a first direction. The second welding segment is located between two adjacent solar cells and spans the stacked area of ​​the two adjacent solar cells. The second welding segment is flat.

2. The curved photovoltaic tile of claim 1, wherein, The battery cell includes a first surface and a second surface facing away from each other. In two adjacent battery cells, the first surface of one battery cell is provided with the first welding segment, and the second surface of the other battery cell is provided with the first welding segment.

3. The curved photovoltaic tile according to any of claims 1-2, wherein, The width of the first welded segment is W1, and the width of the second welded segment is W2, where 2≤W2 / W1≤3.

4. The curved photovoltaic tile according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The height of the first welding segment is H1, and the height of the second welding segment is H2, wherein 2≤H1 / H2≤5.

5. The curved photovoltaic tile according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The width of the second welded segment is W2, and the height of the second welded segment is H2, wherein 3≤W2 / H2≤14.

6. The curved photovoltaic tile according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The first welded section has a circular cross-section.

7. The curved photovoltaic tile according to any of claims 1-6, wherein, The width of the first welded segment is W1, 0.18mm≤W1≤0.26mm.

8. The curved photovoltaic tile according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein, The width of the second welded section is W2, 0.3mm≤W2≤0.7mm.

9. The curved photovoltaic tile according to any of claims 1-8, wherein, The height of the first welded section is H1, 0.18mm≤H1≤0.26mm.

10. The curved photovoltaic tile according to any of claims 1-9, wherein, The height of the second welded section is H2, where 0.05mm ≤ H2 ≤ 0.09mm.

11. The curved photovoltaic tile according to any of claims 1-10, wherein, Along the first direction, two adjacent battery cells are connected by a plurality of solder strips, and the plurality of solder strips are spaced apart along a second direction, which intersects with the first direction.

12. The curved photovoltaic tile according to any of claims 1-11, wherein, The curved photovoltaic tile also includes a back sheet and a panel stacked with the back sheet, with the solar cells disposed between the back sheet and the panel.

13. The curved photovoltaic tile of claim 12, wherein, The backplate is made of metal or polymer material.

14. The curved photovoltaic tile according to any one of claims 12-13, wherein, The panel is made of a light-transmitting material.

15. The curved photovoltaic tile according to any of claims 12-14, wherein, Both the back panel and the front panel are curved panels.

16. The curved photovoltaic tile according to any of claims 1-15, wherein, The surface of the first welded segment is arc-shaped and has a texture.

17. The curved photovoltaic tile of claim 16, wherein, The texture has a first groove extending along the length of the first welded segment.

18. The curved photovoltaic shingle of claim 17, wherein, The texture has a second groove, the extension direction of which intersects the extension direction of the first groove.

19. The curved photovoltaic tile of any of claims 1-18, wherein, The surface with the largest area in the second welding section faces the battery cell.

20. A photovoltaic module, wherein, The photovoltaic module includes a plurality of curved photovoltaic tiles as described in any one of claims 1-19, and the plurality of curved photovoltaic tiles are electrically connected.

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