Foldable Photovoltaic Module Structure for Curved Surface Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photovoltaic modules have poor folding performance, limiting their ability to be effectively stored and deployed on curved surfaces and under varying light conditions, as they are not designed to handle curvature or omnidirectional light incidence.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic module design featuring multiple cell sheets arranged in an array with support plates and flexible cover layers, allowing for folding between adjacent support plates to improve storage and deployment, while maintaining electrical performance through series and parallel connections and busbar configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If photovoltaic modules are designed with rigid structures to maintain electrical performance, then electrical reliability is improved, but folding performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic module is divided into multiple cell sheets arranged in an array, with support plates positioned between them. This segmentation allows the module to be folded at the interfaces between cell sheets while maintaining electrical connections within each segment, resolving the contradiction between structural rigidity for electrical performance and flexibility for folding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin support plates and flexible cover layers that can bend and fold without compromising the electrical integrity of the cell sheets. These flexible components enable the module to adapt to curved surfaces and be folded for storage while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
2Ease of operation
If photovoltaic modules are made foldable to improve storage efficiency, then ease of operation is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the module into discrete cell sheets separated by support plates, the design enables folding at specific locations without compromising the overall structural integrity. Each segment remains stable while the entire assembly can be folded for storage.
Solution Approach 2:
Support plates act as intermediary elements between cell sheets, providing structural stability while allowing controlled folding. These intermediaries maintain the spacing and alignment of cell sheets during folding operations, ensuring structural stability is preserved even when the module is in a folded state.
3Productivity
If photovoltaic modules are designed for flat surfaces to maximize energy production, then energy production efficiency is improved, but adaptability to curved surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The module design transitions from a static flat structure to a dynamic configuration that can adapt to curved surfaces. The cell sheets and support plates can be folded to match the curvature of the installation surface, enabling deployment on both flat and curved surfaces while maintaining energy production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of flexibility by enabling the module to change its spatial configuration from flat to folded states. This dimensional adaptability allows the module to conform to curved surfaces while preserving the electrical and optical performance characteristics designed for flat configurations.
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 folding performance and energy production efficiency on curved surfaces and under various light conditions, enabling better utilization of solar energy by allowing the module to be easily folded and stored without electrical degradation.
Implementation Method 1
A photovoltaic module, also known as a solar panel, is configured to generate electricity through the 'photovoltaic effect'.
Data Source
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AI summary
The embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of solar cells, in particular to a photovoltaic module and a method for preparing a photovoltaic module, and the photovoltaic module includes multiple cell sheets arranged in an array, where each of the multiple rows of cell sheets is arranged at intervals along a first direction, each of the multiple columns of cell sheets is arranged at intervals along a second direction, and each of the multiple cell sheets has a first surface and a second surface. The photovoltaic module further includes multiple support plates arranged at intervals, where each of the multiple support plates extends along a direction in which each of the multiple rows of cell sheets is arranged or a direction in which each of the multiple columns of cell sheets is arranged, and each of the multiple support plates is arranged on the second surface of each of the multiple rows of cell sheets or each of the multiple columns of cell sheets. The photovoltaic module further includes a first flexible cover layer arranged on a side of the first surface of each of the multiple cell sheets and a second flexible cover layer arranged on a side of the each of the multiple support plates away from the multiple cell sheets. The embodiments of the present application are beneficial for improving the folding performance of the photovoltaic module.