Conductive Bridge for Photovoltaic Module Electrostatic Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photovoltaic modules without glass, used in moving applications, face issues with electrostatic charge accumulation due to high surface resistivity materials, leading to potential electric arcs and fires, especially in environments with air friction.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating electrically conductive connecting elements that extend from the front layer to a conductive rear layer within the module, creating a conductive bridge to evacuate electrostatic charges and prevent arc formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If polymer materials with high surface resistivity are used for the front face of the photovoltaic module, then the module achieves ultra-lightweight and glass-free construction, but electrostatic charges accumulate on the surface leading to potential electric arcs and fires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces conductive connecting elements as intermediary components that bridge the dielectric front face and the conductive rear face. These elements act as mediators to transfer electrostatic charges from the polymer surface to the conductive layer, preventing charge accumulation and potential arcs while preserving the lightweight polymer construction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the electrostatic charge problem from the system by providing dedicated conductive pathways that remove charges from the polymer surface. The conductive connecting elements extract accumulated charges and transport them to the rear conductive layer, eliminating the harmful charge buildup
2Adaptability or versatility
If the front face is made from transparent polymer materials, then the module becomes flexible and thin, but the high surface resistivity causes electrostatic charge accumulation during air friction
Solution Approach 1:
Conductive connecting elements serve as intermediary pathways between the flexible polymer front face and the conductive rear face. These mediators enable charge evacuation without compromising the flexibility and transparency of the polymer materials, allowing the module to maintain its adaptable form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material strategies by combining dielectric polymer materials with conductive elements. The module integrates transparent polymers for flexibility with conductive connecting elements and rear conductive layers, creating a composite structure that simultaneously achieves flexibility and electrostatic charge management
3Reliability
If conductive elements are added to evacuate electrostatic charges, then the risk of electric arcs is reduced, but the module complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrostatic charge evacuation function with existing structural elements. The conductive connecting elements are integrated into the module assembly process alongside the polymer layers and photovoltaic cells, combining multiple functions into a unified structure rather than adding separate complex systems
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive connecting elements serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical support, enable electrical connectivity, and facilitate electrostatic charge evacuation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in module complexity while achieving fire prevention
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively reduces the risk of electrostatic discharge-related degradation and fires by allowing safe evacuation of charges, maintaining module integrity and performance in moving applications.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrically conductive connecting element extends from the first layer to the electrically conductive layer to allow the discharge of electrostatic charges accumulated at the level of the first layer to the conductive layer
Implementation Method 2
a first transparent layer forming the front face of the photovoltaic module, designed to receive a light flux, a plurality of photovoltaic cells arranged side by side and electrically connected to each other
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The main subject of the invention is a photovoltaic module (1) comprising: a first layer (2) forming the front face, photovoltaic cells (4), an assembly (3) encapsulating the photovoltaic cells (4), and a second layer (5) forming the rear face. The second layer (5) comprises an electrically conductive layer (5), and at least one electrically conductive connection element (8) extends from the first layer (2) to the electrically conductive layer (5), in the thickness (e) of the photovoltaic module (1), in order to allow the evacuation of electrostatic charges that have accumulated in the first layer (2) to the conductive layer (5), said at least one conductive connection element (8) being arranged in a region not having any electrical connector linking the photovoltaic cells (4) to one another.