Concentrator Photovoltaic Module Parallel Wiring for Hydrogen Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Concentrator photovoltaic modules with series connections produce high voltage outputs, which are inefficient for hydrogen generation, leading to voltage loss when higher voltages are supplied.

Innovation Solution

The concentrator photovoltaic module connects concentrator photovoltaic elements in parallel across stacked wiring layers, allowing for adjustable output voltage while minimizing wiring resistance and heat generation, and includes reverse current prevention units to optimize voltage output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If concentrator photovoltaic elements are connected in series, then voltage output is increased, but voltage loss occurs when supplying power to hydrogen generation equipment that requires lower voltage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage outputVSAvoidvoltage loss

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the wiring into multiple stacked layers (first wiring layer, second wiring layer, etc.) instead of using a single series connection. This segmentation allows the photovoltaic elements to be divided into multiple groups that can be connected in parallel across different layers, thereby reducing the overall voltage output while maintaining current output for efficient hydrogen generation power supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Power

If multiple wiring layers are stacked to connect photovoltaic elements in parallel, then voltage output is decreased, but wiring resistance and heat generation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage outputVSAvoidwiring resistance and heat generation

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a single-plane wiring arrangement to a multi-layer stacked wiring structure. By utilizing the vertical dimension (stacking wiring layers on top of each other), the system achieves parallel connections that reduce voltage output while the layered structure itself helps manage wiring resistance and heat dissipation through increased surface area and spatial distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This configuration decreases output voltage effectively, suppresses wiring resistance, and prevents reverse current, enabling efficient electric power supply for hydrogen generation with reduced equipment requirements.

Implementation Method 1

concentrator photovoltaic elements disposed on each FPC substrate and connected in series

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

the hydrogen generating device is configured to electrolyze water using electric power supplied from the concentrator photovoltaic device, thereby generating hydrogen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS10818810B2Concentrator photovoltaic module, concentrator photovoltaic device, and hydrogen generating system

Publication Date: 2020.10.27 SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES LTD

AI summary

A concentrator photovoltaic module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a case; a substrate disposed on a bottom surface of the case and having a plurality of stacked wiring layers; and concentrator photovoltaic elements disposed on the substrate and connected to the wiring layers. The concentrator photovoltaic elements connected to different wiring layers are connected to each other in parallel. According to the concentrator photovoltaic module according to the one embodiment of the present disclosure, output voltage can be decreased.