Mixed Photovoltaic Module Layout for Partial Shading Mismatch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photovoltaic (PV) energy production is limited by low conversion efficiency and the mismatch or partial shading condition, where reduced irradiation in PV modules due to shading reduces overall energy production.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of mixed PV cell arrays with differently sized PV cells and substrings, where enhanced substrings receive increased irradiance and are strategically placed to maximize energy production, and standard substrings are connected in parallel to mitigate the effects of partial shading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple PV cells are connected serially in a string to provide useful electrical potential and current output, then the electrical output is improved, but the production of the entire string is reduced if one or more cells experience reduced irradiation or shading
Solution Approach 1:
The PV module is divided into multiple independent substrings, each containing series-connected PV cells. These substrings are then connected in parallel, allowing each substring to operate independently. When one substring experiences shading or reduced irradiation, other substrings continue to produce electricity without being affected, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining electrical output and preventing productivity loss from partial shading.
Solution Approach 2:
Different substrings within the same PV module can be positioned to receive different irradiance levels, with some substrings optimized for high irradiance conditions and others for lower irradiance conditions. This local differentiation allows the module to effectively utilize available light across varying conditions, maintaining overall power output even when parts of the module are shaded.
2Power
If PV cells are arranged to maximize electrical potential output, then voltage is improved, but conversion efficiency is reduced due to mismatch conditions
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the PV module into multiple substrings connected in parallel, each substring can be optimized for different operating conditions. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high conversion efficiency across substrings while still achieving useful electrical potential through the parallel configuration, resolving the mismatch problem that plagues series-connected 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 energy production by optimizing irradiance utilization and reducing the impact of shading, leading to increased electrical energy output from PV modules.
Implementation Method 1
photovoltaic (PV) electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to configurations of mixed photovoltaic cell arrays and mixed photovoltaic modules having substrings of monofacial photovoltaic cells and bifacial photovoltaic cells. Further aspects relate to mixed photovoltaic cell arrays and mixed photovoltaic modules having substrings of differently sized and/or cut photovoltaic cells. Substrings of electrically serially connected photovoltaic cells may be connected to one another in parallel or series-parallel. Mixed photovoltaic cell arrays may be disposed upon mixed photovoltaic module backsheets having various regions of varying levels of transparency.