Interleaved PV Substrings for Partial Shading Mismatch Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photovoltaic (PV) modules face inefficiencies due to mismatch conditions caused by partial shading, where reduced irradiation in some cells leads to reduced output and potential damage from 'hot-spots' in the entire string, as healthy cells become forward biased and shaded cells reverse biased.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves static reconfiguration of PV cell arrays with substrings connected in parallel, series-parallel, or cross-tied configurations, utilizing conductive backsheets and rear contact PV cells to mitigate mismatch conditions and improve efficiency, allowing for easier manufacturing and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If PV cells are connected in series to provide useful electric potential and current output, then the power output is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to mismatch conditions and hot-spot damage when partial shading occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The PV module is divided into multiple substrings, each containing series-connected PV cells. These substrings are then connected in parallel to each other, creating a segmented structure that isolates the impact of partial shading to individual substrings rather than affecting the entire module. This segmentation allows healthy substrings to continue producing power at full capacity while shaded substrings operate at reduced capacity without causing hot-spot damage to other substrings.
2Power
If multiple PV cells are connected serially in a string, then useful electric potential is generated, but the entire string's production is reduced when one or more cells experience reduced irradiation
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple substrings, each generating electric potential through series-connected cells, are merged by connecting them in parallel. This merging combines the voltage output of individual substrings while allowing each substring to operate independently in terms of current generation. The parallel connection ensures that the total power output is the sum of individual substring outputs, preventing the bottleneck effect that occurs in purely series connections when one cell is shaded.
3Reliability
If substrings are arranged in parallel configurations, then mismatch condition mitigation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal interconnection methods and standardized substring designs that can be applied across different PV module configurations. The same parallel connection topology and substrate structures are used regardless of the specific number of substrings or cells, allowing for scalable manufacturing. This universality simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the need for custom designs for different module sizes and 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
This configuration enhances PV module efficiency by distributing the effects of reduced irradiation, reducing the occurrence of 'hot-spots', and minimizing manufacturing complexity, thereby improving overall energy production and module reliability.
Implementation Method 1
photovoltaic (PV) electrical energy
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to static configurations and arrangement of substrings of photovoltaic (PV) cell arrays or PV modules to electrically parallelly connect substrings in PV cell arrays mitigating the partial shade and/or mismatch condition. Further aspects relate to PV modules comprising interleaved substrings. Additional aspects relate to incorporation of power electronics with PV modules and PV cell arrays.