Edge Reflector for Bifacial Solar Module Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bifacial photovoltaic modules face reduced energy production due to non-uniform backside illumination, primarily caused by shading from junction boxes, busbars, module frames, soiling, and reflective interconnects, leading to current imbalances and reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of reflective or refractive strips along the edges of bifacial photovoltaic modules to enhance illumination on edge cells, using materials like EVA/polyester/EVA, Tedlar, or holographic elements to redirect light internally and reduce non-uniformity by acting as edge reflectors or refractors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If bifacial modules are used to convert illumination on both front and back sides into electrical power, then energy production is improved, but non-uniform backside illumination causes current imbalances and reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing reflective strips specifically at the edges of the module where light reflection is most needed. The reflective strips have different properties than the rest of the module - they are positioned only at edges and have specific reflectivity characteristics to redirect light onto edge cells, creating localized illumination enhancement where it is most needed to balance current generation across the module
2Stability of the object's composition
If reflective or refractive strips are added to enhance illumination on edge cells, then non-uniformity in power generation is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the light management function into distinct components - reflective strips at the edges and the solar cells in the array. This segmentation allows the reflective strips to be optimized specifically for their light-redirection function without complicating the entire module design, as they are separate, modular elements that can be added 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 approach effectively reduces non-uniformity in power generation by ensuring edge cells operate within optimal parameters, increasing overall energy output while minimizing the risk of current imbalances and soiling-related issues, even under conditions of partial shading.
Implementation Method 1
A reflector is configured on an edge of the array of solar cells, the first reflector being configured to reflect light onto the front side of a row of solar cells adjacent to the edge
Implementation Method 2
The refractive element is configured to refract light onto the row of solar cells adjacent to the edge
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment relates to a bifacial photovoltaic module having an edge reflector. The module includes a plurality of solar cells in an array, each solar cell having a front side and a back side. A reflector is configured on an edge of the array of solar cells, the first reflector being configured to reflect light onto the front side of a row of solar cells adjacent to the edge. Another embodiment relates to a method of reducing non-uniformity of power generation from a bifacial photovoltaic module. Electrical current produced from solar cells along at least one edge of the array is increased by using a reflective strip facing towards the front side of the solar cells along the edge. Another embodiment relates to a bifacial photovoltaic module having an edge refractor. Other embodiments and features are also disclosed.