Curved Solar Cell Module Segmentation for Current Mismatch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar cell modules face challenges when integrated into curved surfaces due to current mismatch issues caused by varying solar cell orientations, leading to reduced electrical output and potential hotspot formation from partial shading.
Innovation Solution
A solar cell module design with series interconnection of solar cells having similar angles of inclination and parallel interconnection of those with different angles, divided into multiple module segments with disjoint tilt angle ranges to minimize current mismatch and optimize energy conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If solar cells are arranged on curved surfaces with different orientations, then the module can be integrated into curved carrier elements, but current mismatch occurs due to varying incident sunlight angles
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell module is divided into multiple module segments, where each segment contains solar cells with similar angles of inclination. This segmentation allows each segment to operate with relatively uniform current generation, while the overall module maintains curved surface adaptability through the collection of multiple segments with different tilt angles.
2Device complexity
If solar cells with different tilt angles are connected in series, then module complexity is reduced, but current mismatch limits the output of the entire string
Solution Approach 1:
The module is segmented into groups of solar cells with similar orientations, where each segment is connected in series. This maintains relatively simple series connections within segments while the overall module achieves curved surface integration through parallel connection of multiple segments with different tilt angles.
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the module have different local characteristics (tilt angles) optimized for their specific positions on the curved surface. Each segment is designed with solar cells having similar inclination angles appropriate for its location, allowing the entire module to function effectively on curved surfaces.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If partial shading occurs on curved surfaces, then hotspot formation risk increases, but uniform encapsulation is needed for protection
Solution Approach 1:
The module is divided into multiple segments that can be independently encapsulated. This segmentation allows each segment to be protected uniformly while reducing the risk that partial shading in one area will cause hotspot formation that affects the entire module, as each segment operates more independently.
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 design reduces current mismatch and maintains uniform voltage across module segments, enhancing overall electrical output and durability by avoiding hotspot formation.
Implementation Method 1
the conversion of incident electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy is directly proportional to the incident intensity
Data Source
AI summary
A solar cell module, having module segments, each with photovoltaic solar cells interconnected in series. The cells of the module segments are arranged on or in a curved planar carrier element. Each cell has a solar cell normal vector, and the module has a module normal vector, corresponding to the vectorial mean value of the cell normal vectors. Each cell has a tilt angle, corresponding to the angle between the cell normal vector and the module normal vector. Each module segment is assigned a tilt angle range having limits defined by minimum and maximum tilt angles of the cells of the module segment. The tilt angle ranges of at least two module segments are disjoint. The module segments are interconnected in parallel, each module segment has the same number of cells, and each cell of a module segment is arranged directly adjacent to a further cell of that module segment.