Hole-Thru-Laminate Mounting Supports to Minimize PV Module Shading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mounting techniques for photovoltaic laminates are expensive, bulky, and can impede radiation collection and cooling, leading to reduced efficiency in solar energy conversion.
Innovation Solution
A hole-thru-laminate mounting support using a pedestal with aligned holes and bolts or pins to secure the laminate, allowing for direct coupling without edge securing, which minimizes shading and interference with cooling mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mounting techniques using edge securing with glue or physical clamping are used, then the photovoltaic laminate can be mounted securely, but the mounting becomes expensive and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into discrete corner blocks that are positioned at each corner of the photovoltaic module, rather than using continuous edge securing. This segmentation reduces material usage and structural complexity while maintaining secure mounting through localized support points at the corners
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system extracts the essential function of securing the module to its corners only, removing the unnecessary bulk of continuous edge clamping or extensive adhesive applications. The corner blocks extract only the critical support points needed for secure mounting, eliminating excess materials and structural complexity
2Reliability
If conventional edge securing mounting is used, then the photovoltaic laminate can be mounted, but radiation collection and cooling are impeded, reducing energy conversion efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the mounting to corner blocks only, large portions of the photovoltaic module surface remain exposed and unobstructed. This allows maximum radiation collection across the active surface and maintains proper airflow for cooling, preventing the efficiency losses associated with continuous edge securing
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting applies support and securing functions locally at the corners where structurally necessary, rather than continuously along the edges. This localized approach preserves the global quality of radiation collection and cooling performance across the majority of the module surface
3Quantity of substance
If photovoltaic laminate is made with reduced glass thickness to reduce cost, then material costs decrease, but the laminate becomes more fragile and harder to mount
Solution Approach 1:
The corner blocks provide beforehand cushioning and protection to the corners of the photovoltaic module, which are the most vulnerable points. This protective positioning compensates for the reduced strength from thinner glass, allowing the laminate to be mounted securely despite using less glass material
Solution Approach 2:
The corner blocks act as intermediaries between the mounting structure and the photovoltaic module, distributing mechanical stresses and protecting the fragile edges of the thin-glass laminate. This intermediary protection enables the use of reduced glass thickness while maintaining mountability and structural integrity
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting support for a photovoltaic module is described. The mounting support includes a pedestal having a surface adaptable to receive a flat side of a photovoltaic module laminate. A hole is disposed in the pedestal, the hole adaptable to receive a bolt or a pin used to couple the pedestal to the flat side of the photovoltaic module laminate.