Contactless Inductive Couplers for Solar Panel Interconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional solar panel interconnection methods using physical electrical contacts are prone to issues such as improper connections, wire pinching, and corrosion, leading to reduced efficiency over time.
Innovation Solution
A solar panel system utilizing contactless horizontal and vertical couplers for inductive or capacitive coupling between modules, eliminating the need for external wires and physical contacts, with each module having male and female couplers for side-by-side and overlapping connections, respectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical electrical contacts (wires, plugs, jacks) are used to interconnect solar panels, then electrical energy can be transmitted between panels, but the system becomes prone to connection errors, wire pinching, corrosion, and electrical resistance that reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire-and-connector system with an inductive coupling system using electromagnetic fields. Male and female couplers with coils create wireless electrical connections between adjacent panels, eliminating physical contacts that cause corrosion, pinching, and connection errors while maintaining reliable power transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium to transfer electrical energy between panels. The inductive couplers generate electromagnetic fields that couple adjacent panels electrically without direct physical contact, serving as a mediator that eliminates the need for wires and connectors.
2Ease of operation
If traditional wiring methods are used for panel interconnection, then electrical connections can be established, but installation becomes complex and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical wiring operations with simple mechanical coupling of the inductive couplers. Installers only need to position panels adjacent to each other, and the electromagnetic coupling automatically establishes electrical connections, eliminating wire routing, connector attachment, and tightening operations that are prone to error.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If physical connectors and wires are used for panel interconnection, then electrical energy can be transmitted, but the system suffers from wire deterioration and connector corrosion over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the vulnerable wire-and-connector system with solid-state inductive couplers that have no exposed conductive elements. The electromagnetic field transmission eliminates wires subject to deterioration and connectors subject to corrosion, dramatically extending system durability and eliminating maintenance concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the vulnerable wire and connector components from the interconnection system. By eliminating these external wiring elements entirely and containing all electrical connections within the module housings, the system removes the sources of corrosion and deterioration.
4Reliability
If contactless inductive coupling is used to interconnect solar panels, then physical contacts and wires are eliminated, but the coupling mechanism requires precise alignment between male and female couplers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric male and female coupler designs where the male coupler has a protruding coil structure and the female coupler has a corresponding recessed structure. This asymmetric geometry provides mechanical guidance and self-alignment during installation, ensuring proper positioning of the electromagnetic coils without requiring high-precision manufacturing tolerances.
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
This solution simplifies installation, reduces human error, and enhances system reliability by automatically aggregating electrical energy without physical contacts, thereby maintaining efficiency and reducing maintenance concerns.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical connections may be achieved through inductive or capacitive coupling
Implementation Method 2
The electrical connections may be achieved through inductive or capacitive coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A solar panel array comprises a first plurality of solar panels arranged side-by-side in a first course and a second plurality of solar panels arranged side-by-side in a second course, the second course partially overlapping the first course. Electrical energy produced by each solar panel of the array is aggregated with the electrical energy produced by the other solar panels of the array without physical electrical contacts between the solar panels. In one embodiment, contactless inductive couplers are used to couple the electrical energies of the panels together.