Detachable Junction Box for Photovoltaic Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing photovoltaic modules require complex and inconvenient replacement of junction boxes when circuit elements are damaged, leading to inefficiencies and increased maintenance costs due to integrated formation with solar cell modules.

Innovation Solution

A photovoltaic module design featuring a detachable junction box with a dc/dc converter unit and coupling members that allow for easy attachment and detachment, along with a heat releasing member to manage thermal efficiency, enabling independent replacement of the junction box and optimizing power conversion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the junction box is integrated with the solar cell module, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates when circuit elements are damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of repair
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The junction box is separated from the solar cell module as an independent replaceable component. The coupling members enable the junction box to be detached and replaced without damaging or replacing the entire solar cell module, thus maintaining structural stability while improving ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of repair

If the junction box is made replaceable, then the ease of repair is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional coupling mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of repairVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling members are designed as separate components that attach the junction box to the solar cell module. This segmentation allows the junction box to be replaced independently while keeping the coupling mechanism simple and modular, improving ease of repair without significantly increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the coupling members are added to enable detachment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling members are designed as separate attachable components that connect the junction box to the solar cell module. This segmentation enables easy attachment and detachment operations while allowing each component to be manufactured independently using standard manufacturing processes, thus improving ease of operation without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Facilitates efficient power conversion and minimizes power loss by allowing for easy replacement of damaged circuit elements, reducing maintenance complexity and improving thermal management within the module.

Implementation Method 1

a heat releasing member disposed between the solar cell module and the plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP2518775B1Photovoltaic module
Publication Date: 2019.03.20 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2518775B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2518775B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2518775B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A photovoltaic module includes: a solar cell module including a plurality of solar cells; a junction box including a dc/dc converter unit to convert the level of DC power supplied from the solar cell module; a plate on one surface of the solar cell module and disposed between the solar cell module and the junction box; and a coupling member attaching and detaching the junction box from the solar cell module.