Photovoltaic Module Impact-Absorbing Structure for Building Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional solar power systems face challenges in installation and expansion due to complex structures and limited space, particularly on rooftops where cooling towers occupy valuable space, making it difficult to install and secure solar cell arrays effectively.

Innovation Solution

A photovoltaic module design featuring solar cells angled between 30 degrees to 90 degrees with integrated impact absorption parts, including both first and second impact absorption parts on the encapsulation surfaces, which have higher elasticity than the solar cells, allowing for enhanced external impact resistance and flexible installation options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If solar cells are installed on building exteriors with limited space, then photovoltaic energy generation is achieved, but the system becomes vulnerable to external impacts and damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephotovoltaic energy generationVSAvoidimpact resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating impact absorption structures between solar cell layers and at the rear of the module. These cushioning elements are pre-installed to absorb external impacts before they reach the solar cells, protecting the photovoltaic components from damage while maintaining the building-integrated energy generation function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional solar power systems are integrated with building structures, then space utilization is improved, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebuilding integrationVSAvoidinstallation structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the photovoltaic module structure with building integration requirements by designing a unified module that combines solar cells, impact absorption structures, and mounting features into a single integrated unit. This merging approach maintains adaptability for building integration while reducing installation complexity through standardized, pre-assembled components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the photovoltaic system into modular units with distinct functional components (solar cells, impact absorption layers, mounting structures). This segmentation enables flexible integration into building structures while simplifying installation through standardized modular units that can be independently handled and assembled

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If impact protection structures are added to photovoltaic modules, then impact resistance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidmodule structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible shells and thin films by using thin impact absorption films or layers positioned between solar cell layers and at the rear of the module. These thin film structures provide effective impact protection while maintaining module flexibility and minimizing structural complexity, as the thin films can be integrated into the existing module architecture without adding substantial bulk or rigid components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

The design provides improved impact resistance and flexibility, enabling easier installation and expansion of solar power systems by absorbing and offsetting external forces, thus protecting the solar cells and improving photovoltaic efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

impact absorption parts disposed between the plurality of solar cells in the encapsulation part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

An element that converts energy of photons generated from the sun into electrical energy through a photoelectric effect is called a solar cell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20240405139A1Solar light module including impact-absorbing structure

Publication Date: 2024.12.05 KOREA UNIV RES & BUSINESS FOUND

AI summary

Disclosed is a photovoltaic module including an encapsulation part, a plurality of solar cells disposed in the encapsulating part such that angles thereof with respect to a height direction of the encapsulation part is 30 degrees to 90 degrees, and impact absorption parts disposed between the plurality of solar cells in the encapsulation part.