Photovoltaic Junction Box Diode Orientation for Heat Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing photovoltaic junction boxes experience uneven heat distribution due to the consistent arrangement of diodes, leading to reduced current-carrying capacity and potential damage from inadequate heat dissipation.

Innovation Solution

The diodes in the photovoltaic connection box are arranged at non-zero angles relative to each other, ensuring even heat distribution and improved heat dissipation efficiency by varying their orientations and positions on the conduction terminals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If diodes are arranged in the same direction on conduction terminals, then the manufacturing process is simplified and diode placement is consistent, but heat distribution becomes uneven leading to reduced current-carrying capacity and potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediode placement consistencyVSAvoidheat distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by arranging diodes in different directions on adjacent conduction terminals. Specifically, diodes on first and third conduction terminals are arranged in a first direction, while diodes on second and fourth conduction terminals are arranged in a second direction different from the first. This asymmetric arrangement creates more uniform heat distribution across the junction box, preventing localized overheating while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If diodes are arranged to optimize heat dissipation, then current-carrying capacity improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent-carrying capacityVSAvoiddiode arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating diode arrangements based on the specific conduction terminal location. Diodes on alternating conduction terminals (first and third vs. second and fourth) are arranged in different directions, creating locally optimized heat dissipation patterns. This approach improves overall reliability and current-carrying capacity while limiting complexity through a systematic, repeating pattern rather than completely arbitrary arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 arrangement enhances heat dissipation efficiency and current-carrying capacity by distributing heat more evenly within the box body, preventing overheating and damage.

Implementation Method 1

In operation, the diode will produce heat, and then the produced heat will be transferred to the conduction terminals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3136594B1Photovoltaic junction box
Publication Date: 2020.01.08 TYCO ELECTRONICS (SHANGHAI) CO LTD
  • EP3136594B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3136594B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present disclosure discloses a photovoltaic connection box adapted to be mounted on a solar panel, including: a box body having a first end and a second end opposite to each other in a lengthwise direction thereof, and a first side and a second side opposite to each other in a widthwise direction thereof; a plurality of conduction terminals received in the box body; and a plurality of surface-mounted diodes, an anode pin and a cathode pad of each diode being soldered on two adjacent conduction terminals, respectively, wherein the plurality of surface-mounted diodes are arranged so that an angle defined between two adjacent surface-mounted diodes is not equal to zero. Arrangement directions of two adjacent diodes inside the box body of the photovoltaic connection box are different from each other such that the heat produced by the diodes in operation is distributed more evenly in the box body of the photovoltaic connection box, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency and thus the current-carrying capacity of the photovoltaic connection box.