Magnetic Coupling PV Frame Module Wiring Elimination

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional photovoltaic (PV) array systems face challenges such as complex wiring sequences that increase safety risks, potential-induced degradation, and the risk of wiring breakdown, leading to power loss and potential fire hazards, particularly in residential solar PV systems.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic coupling PV frame module system that eliminates array wiring and roof wiring by using magnetic connectors to electrically couple solar panels and batteries, creating a seamless energy transfer pathway without the need for external wiring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional wiring systems are used to connect PV panels and batteries, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but safety risks increase and potential-induced degradation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem safetyVSAvoidwiring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the traditional wiring system from the PV array configuration. By using integrated conductive connectors that are built into the frame structure, the separate wiring components are removed, thereby reducing safety risks associated with external wiring while maintaining electrical connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the structural frame with the electrical connection function by integrating conductive connectors directly into the frame. This combination eliminates the need for separate wiring systems, reducing both complexity and safety risks while maintaining reliable electrical connections between PV panels and batteries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple wiring connections are added to increase PV system connectivity, then system expandability is improved, but fire hazards and wiring breakdown risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem expandabilityVSAvoidfire hazard
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the PV system into modular units, each with integrated conductive connectors. This segmentation allows systems to be expanded by simply adding modular units with built-in connection capabilities, eliminating the need to add additional wiring connections and thereby reducing fire hazards associated with increased wiring density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If complex wiring sequences are used to connect PV array components, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but installation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive connectors are pre-integrated into the frame structure during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex wiring sequences during installation, as connectors are already in place and simply need to be aligned and connected, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining reliable electrical connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Strength

If traditional PV array systems are configured with separate wiring and structural components, then structural integrity is maintained, but system reliability decreases due to wiring failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidsystem reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the structural frame with the electrical connection function by integrating conductive connectors directly into the frame. This integration ensures that the structural components that provide integrity also provide reliable electrical connections, eliminating the separate wiring system that is prone to failures and thereby improving overall system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enhances safety, reduces the risk of power loss and wiring malfunctions, and simplifies the installation and operation of PV systems by eliminating complex wiring, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of solar energy conversion and storage.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic material positioned within a recess of the head

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11394346B2Magnetic coupling frame PV module with battery and method of using the same
Publication Date: 2022.07.19 IMPOWER ENERGY INC
  • US11394346B2 patent drawing
  • US11394346B2 patent drawing
  • US11394346B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Described herein is an apparatus that allows for quicker assembly of photovoltaic array system. More particularly, the invention relates to photovoltaics, frame housing, magnetic coupling, array connectors, and battery unit within a photovoltaic module. Two connector types, male and female, will be in magnetic electrical contact. The male and female connectors will be fastened to individual photovoltaic panel framework with wiring internalized. Battery unit will be attached to the module. This configuration allows for quicker assembly of photovoltaic array system.