Fractal Mesh Interconnect for PV Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic cell interconnection technologies face challenges in addressing shading, mechanical and thermomechanical stresses, and electrical conductivity while minimizing ohmic losses, especially in flexible and space applications where deformations and thermal variations are significant.
Innovation Solution
A fractal geometry-based electrical interconnection element with a conductive mesh design that allows for self-similar patterns at different scales, providing redundancy in electrical paths and flexibility to withstand deformations without rupture, while maintaining excellent ohmic conductivity and minimizing shading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional interconnectors are used to ensure electrical conductivity between photovoltaic cells, then electrical connection is achieved, but shading of the photovoltaic cell surface occurs and mechanical stresses cause deformation and rupture
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnector is divided into multiple fractal segments or unit patterns that repeat at different scales. This segmentation allows the interconnector to maintain electrical conductivity through distributed contact points while reducing the continuous coverage that causes shading. The fragmented fractal structure covers less total surface area compared to a solid interconnector of equivalent electrical performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnector transitions from a traditional two-dimensional planar structure to a fractal geometry that operates across multiple dimensional scales. The self-similar patterns repeat at progressively smaller scales, creating a hierarchical structure that maintains electrical connectivity while minimizing the projected surface area that blocks light, effectively utilizing dimensional scaling to reduce shading.
2Strength
If rigid interconnection structures are used to maintain structural integrity, then mechanical strength is improved, but the structure cannot withstand deformations from thermal expansion and mechanical stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The fractal interconnector structure is designed with inherent flexibility to accommodate dynamic deformations. The self-similar geometric patterns allow the structure to bend, stretch, and deform elastically under thermal expansion and mechanical stresses without rupturing. The fractal geometry provides multiple deformation pathways that distribute mechanical stresses across the structure, maintaining integrity while adapting to changing conditions.
3Loss of energy
If interconnection elements are made thicker to reduce electrical resistance, then ohmic losses are reduced, but the device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fractal interconnector optimizes the ratio between electrical current conducted and total cross-section of conductive material by adjusting the scaling factors and geometric parameters of the self-similar patterns. This parameter optimization allows the structure to achieve low electrical resistance through efficient current distribution across multiple fractal levels, reducing ohmic losses without requiring excessive material thickness or complex multi-layer constructions.
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 fractal geometry interconnection element effectively reduces shading, enhances mechanical robustness, and ensures reliable electrical conductivity under various deformations and thermal conditions, improving the performance and reliability of photovoltaic modules.
Implementation Method 1
The interconnecting element has a ratio between the electric current conducted between two consecutive photovoltaic cells and the total cross-section of said at least one electrically conductive material between two consecutive photovoltaic cells of between 0.1 and 20A/mm2
Implementation Method 2
the interconnecting element is in the form of a mesh comprising a fractal geometry formed by the repetition of a unit pattern by translation to obtain a plurality of unit patterns of the same size and/or by changing the size of the unit pattern to obtain a similarity of the unit pattern at different scales
Data Source
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AI summary
The main object of the invention is an electrical interconnection element (20) for at least two photovoltaic cells (3) to form a photovoltaic cell assembly (3) intended to form a photovoltaic module, the interconnection element (20) comprising at least one electrically conductive material, characterized in that: the interconnection element (20) is in the form of a mesh comprising a fractal geometry formed by the repetition of a unit motif (25) by translation to obtain a plurality of unit motifs (25) of the same size and/or by changing the size of the unit motif (25) to obtain a similarity of the unit motif (25) at different scales; the interconnection element (20) has a ratio between the electric current conducted between two consecutive photovoltaic cells (3) and the total cross-section of said at least one electrically conductive material between two consecutive photovoltaic cells (3) of between 0.1 and 20 A/mm².