Flat-plate Photovoltaic Module with Redundant Power Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photovoltaic (PV) modules are sensitive to and perform poorly under non-uniform illumination conditions, which can be caused by factors like shading, debris, or manufacturing defects, leading to reduced efficiency and increased costs due to the need for complex and costly adjustable mounting systems and high-power electronic devices with safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A PV module design featuring multiple rows of PV cells connected in parallel and series, with a power conversion device redundantly connected to maintain peak power and handle non-uniform illumination, including a conductive backsheet, non-conductive layers, and spacers that allow for passive or active row-balancing of current, reducing the impact of shading and defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional PV modules are used under non-uniform illumination conditions, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but power output and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The PV module divides the PV cell array into multiple independent rows that are electrically connected in parallel. Each row can independently generate and contribute power to the overall output. This segmentation allows the module to maintain high power output under non-uniform illumination because shaded or defective cells in one row do not prevent other rows from generating power, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining manufacturing simplicity and improving productivity.
2Productivity
If adjustable mounting systems are added to improve illumination uniformity, then power output is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the need for complex adjustable mounting systems by implementing parallel-connected PV cell rows directly in the module structure. The parallel connection architecture inherently compensates for non-uniform illumination without requiring external mechanical adjustment devices, thereby maintaining high power output while eliminating the added complexity and cost of mounting systems.
3Productivity
If high-power electronic devices are added to manage non-uniform illumination, then power output is improved, but safety hazards and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The parallel-connected PV cell row architecture enables the module to self-regulate and self-balance power generation under non-uniform illumination conditions. Each row independently contributes power based on its illumination level, automatically balancing the overall output without requiring external high-power electronic management devices. This self-service mechanism improves safety by eliminating complex electronic components while maintaining high power output.
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 design enables efficient operation under non-uniform illumination conditions, increasing power output and reducing the need for complex mounting systems and high-power electronic components, while ensuring safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of PV cells arranged in rows and collectively generating a first power output
Data Source
AI summary
One example embodiment includes a PV module comprising a conductive backsheet, a non-conductive layer disposed on the conductive backsheet, a plurality of PV cells arranged in rows and collectively generating a first power output characterized by a first voltage, and a power conversion device. Each of the rows can include two or more PV cells. The PV cells within each row can be connected to each other in parallel. The rows can be connected in series. A top row can be connected to the conductive backsheet. The power conversion device can be redundantly connected to a bottom row and to the conductive backsheet to form a complete circuit. The power conversion device can convert the first power output to a second power output characterized by a second voltage that is larger than the first voltage. The power conversion device can also maintain peak power of the PV cells.