Foldable Photovoltaic Module Layout With Flexible Cover Layers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The folding performance of existing photovoltaic modules is poor due to limitations in design and materials, which restricts their ability to be folded and stored efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic module design featuring multiple cell sheets arranged in an array with flexible cover layers on both sides, allowing for folding along gaps between rows or columns, and supported by intermittent support plates for enhanced stability and folding performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rigid photovoltaic module design is used, then structural stability is maintained, but folding performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic module is divided into multiple cell sheets arranged in an array with gaps between them, allowing each sheet to move independently during folding while maintaining overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible cover layers are applied to both sides of each cell sheet, providing protection while enabling the module to bend and fold without rigid structural constraints
2Area of stationary object
If cell sheets are arranged closely together, then area utilization is improved, but folding flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The module uses multiple cell sheets with gaps between them rather than a continuous rigid structure, enabling folding while maintaining high area utilization when unfolded
Solution Approach 2:
The cell sheets are arranged in a two-dimensional array that can collapse into a compact three-dimensional folded structure, achieving both high area utilization and folding flexibility
3Strength
If support structures are added to maintain stability, then structural integrity is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Flexible cover layers replace traditional rigid support structures, providing necessary protection and structural integrity while maintaining folding capability and reducing overall device complexity
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 improved design enables the photovoltaic module to be folded regularly and compactly, reducing its volume and facilitating easy storage, while maintaining electrical integrity and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A photovoltaic module, also known as a solar panel, is configured to generate electricity through the 'photovoltaic effect'
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
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 folding 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 a first flexible cover layer located on a side of the first surface of each of the multiple cell sheets, and a second flexible cover layer located on a side of the second surface of each of the multiple cell sheets. The photovoltaic module is configured to be folded along a gap between two adjacent rows in the multiple rows of cell sheets or along a gap between two adjacent columns in the multiple rows of cell sheets with the folding angle of 0 degree to 180 degrees between two adjacent columns of cell sheet. The embodiments of the present application are beneficial for improving the folding performance of the photovoltaic module.