Base plate for photovoltaic module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photovoltaic modules face issues with warping and curling of the support portion, leading to uneven pressure distribution and potential damage when exposed to sunlight, and are limited in size due to these structural issues, while also being difficult to maintain and repair as they integrate both active and support functions.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic module design featuring a base plate and a removable photovoltaic laminate, where the base plate provides a planar, structurally sound support that remains stable and functional even after the laminate is removed, allowing for easy replacement and maintenance, and is manufactured using a polymeric construction for durability and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the size of the photovoltaic module is increased, then the power output is improved, but the support portion experiences increased warp and curl
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the photovoltaic module into two separate components: a base plate that provides structural support and a photovoltaic laminate that contains the active cells. This segmentation allows the base plate to be optimized for structural stability and flatness while the laminate provides the photovoltaic function, thereby reducing warp and curl issues in the support structure even as module size increases for higher power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction for the base plate, combining materials with complementary properties to achieve both structural strength and dimensional stability. The composite construction allows the base plate to resist warping and curling while supporting larger photovoltaic modules, enabling increased power output without compromising structural integrity.
2Device complexity
If the photovoltaic module integrates both active and support functions in one piece, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the photovoltaic module into a reusable base plate and a replaceable photovoltaic laminate. This segmentation maintains relatively simple device complexity during installation while dramatically improving ease of repair, as the laminate can be removed and replaced without damaging or replacing the entire module structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the photovoltaic laminate to be discarded (removed and replaced) while the base plate is recovered and reused. This approach simplifies the repair process by allowing only the active portion to be replaced rather than the entire integrated module, reducing waste and repair costs.
3Strength
If the support portion is made larger to provide adequate support, then the structural strength is improved, but the amount of warp increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the support function (base plate) from the photovoltaic function (laminate), allowing the base plate to be optimized specifically for structural strength and flatness. This segmentation enables the support structure to provide adequate strength without the compromising effect of warp, as the base plate can be independently engineered for dimensional stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material construction for the base plate to achieve both high structural strength and resistance to warping. The composite materials and their specific configuration allow the support structure to maintain flatness and stability even when sized appropriately for structural support, eliminating the trade-off between strength and warp.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the photovoltaic module is made to be compliant to roof irregularities, then the adaptability is improved, but the planarity of the module deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the module into a base plate that interfaces with the roof structure and a photovoltaic laminate that maintains planarity. The base plate can be designed with compliance features to adapt to roof irregularities, while the laminate remains flat and planar for optimal photovoltaic performance, thus resolving the conflict between adaptability and planarity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A photovoltaic module comprising: a base plate and a photovoltaic laminate that are connected together; wherein the photovoltaic module is configured to be directly connected to a roofing structure and provide roofing functions, and wherein the photovoltaic laminate is removable from the base plate without damaging the base plate and the base plate retains its roofing functions when the photovoltaic laminate is removed.