ELV Solar Module Assembly With Exposed Contacts for Easy Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar modules are inflexible, expensive, and require specialized installation, making them difficult to use and connect into solar module systems efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A solar module designed to operate within the extra-low voltage range (ELV), limited to below 60V, featuring a lightweight and versatile structure with planar elements made of plastic, and including an output voltage limiter and uninsulated exposed contacting portions for simplified connection and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If solar modules are connected in series to achieve high voltage and low losses, then energy transmission efficiency is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter from high voltage (series connection) to extra-low voltage (parallel connection), fundamentally altering the electrical configuration. This parameter change enables the use of simpler, uninsulated contact elements and eliminates the need for complex insulation and specialist installation procedures
2Reliability
If solar modules use heavy basic structures with insulation and moisture protection, then reliability and protection are improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the heavy insulation and moisture protection components from the solar module structure. By operating in the extra-low voltage range, the invention eliminates the need for expensive and heavy basic structures, insulation layers, and complex moisture protection devices, achieving both weight reduction and cost reduction while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, heavy, and complex protection structures with simple, lightweight planar elements made of plastic. These planar elements provide sufficient protection for ELV operation without the need for heavy insulation or complex moisture protection systems
3Reliability
If solar modules require specialist installation and complex bearing structures, then connection security is improved, but ease of operation and assembly difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service installation by designing the solar module with simple, uninsulated contact elements that can be easily connected without specialist knowledge. The planar elements and contact elements are designed for intuitive assembly, allowing end-users to install the modules themselves without requiring trained professionals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes complex bearing structures and specialized connection mechanisms from the solar module design. By eliminating these complex components, the invention simplifies the assembly process while maintaining secure connections through simpler, more straightforward mounting solutions
4Reliability
If solar modules use expensive materials and complex structures, then durability and protection are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive materials and complex structures with inexpensive planar elements made of plastic. These simple components provide adequate durability for ELV operation while dramatically reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the production process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates expensive materials and complex structural components from the solar module design. By removing these cost-intensive elements and replacing them with simple plastic planar elements, the invention achieves significant cost reduction while maintaining sufficient durability for the intended application
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
The solar module system achieves reduced assembly complexity, lower production costs, and increased safety by eliminating the risk of electric arcs, allowing for do-it-yourself installation and use in fire-hazardous areas, while also reducing material usage and weight.
Implementation Method 1
at least one photovoltaic cell for converting radiant energy into electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A solar module that is operable in the extra-low voltage range and includes at least one photovoltaic cell for converting radiant energy into electrical energy and two planar elements made of plastic that sandwich the at least one photovoltaic cell. The solar module has at least one positive contact element and at least one negative contact element for tapping an electrical output voltage of the solar module. The positive contact element and the negative contact element are arranged at least partially between the two planar elements and each include at least one electrically uninsulated exposed contacting portion. A solar module system includes a plurality of solar modules connected in parallel and a bearing structure which electrically interconnects and supports the plurality of solar modules.