Dynamic Solar Cell Connection System for Energy Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connection systems for solar cells lack efficient and flexible configurations for series and parallel connections, which limits their ability to optimize energy production based on varying solar energy conditions.

Innovation Solution

A modular solar cell connection system featuring multi-terminal connectors and a controller that configures electrical connections dynamically based on solar energy levels, allowing for series or parallel configurations to optimize voltage and current output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If solar cell modules are connected using fixed electrical connection systems, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the ability to optimize energy production based on varying solar energy conditions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to optimize energy productionVSAvoidconnection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration capability that allows solar cell modules to switch between series and parallel connections based on real-time solar energy conditions. The system dynamically adjusts electrical connections to optimize power output, transforming a static connection system into an adaptive one that responds to varying environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional connection system that can perform multiple functions: operating in fixed series mode, fixed parallel mode, and dynamically reconfigurable mode. This universal system handles both simple reliable operation and complex optimization scenarios, making the connection system adaptable to different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multi-terminal connectors are used to enable dynamic reconfiguration, then energy production optimization is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy production efficiencyVSAvoidconnector system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the electrical connection system into multiple independent terminals and connectors, allowing individual modules to be reconfigured without affecting the entire system. This segmentation enables flexible reconfiguration while maintaining system reliability, as each segment can be independently controlled and managed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces multi-terminal connectors as intermediary components that facilitate dynamic reconfiguration between solar modules. These connectors act as mediators that manage the complexity of reconfiguration operations, providing a standardized interface that simplifies the overall system architecture while enabling advanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Power

If electrical connections are dynamically reconfigured based on solar energy levels, then voltage and current output optimization is achieved, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage and current outputVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control mechanism that continuously monitors solar energy levels and automatically adjusts electrical connections accordingly. The system measures power output conditions and uses this feedback to determine optimal connection configurations, enabling automatic optimization without requiring complex manual control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the solar cell system to self-regulate and self-optimize by automatically reconfiguring connections based on monitored conditions. The system serves itself by detecting power output variations and autonomously adjusting its configuration, reducing the need for external control intervention while maintaining optimal performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enhances energy production efficiency by dynamically adjusting electrical connections in response to solar energy conditions, ensuring optimal voltage and current output to match energy demands.

Implementation Method 1

a solar panel (12) which, in use, converts solar energy into electrical power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2847800B1Electrical connection system, solar cell module and systems incorporating same
Publication Date: 2020.03.25 ITOUCHENERGY
  • EP2847800B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2847800B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP2847800B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

An electrical connection system comprising a plurality of electrical components electrically interconnected by a plurality of multi-terminal electrical connector devices. Each electrical component has first and second electrical terminals, each connector device having a plurality of electrical terminals arranged in first and second rows each row comprising a plurality of said terminals. One row is positioned along one side of the connector, the other row being positioned along the other side of the connector. First and second of the connector terminals are electrically connected to a respective one of the first and second terminals of a respective one of the electrical components. Each connector device is configurable such that its terminals may adopt a selected one of a plurality of terminal configurations.