Photovoltaic Modules with Multi-Junction Cells for Shading Resilience
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar power systems experience significant current reduction and power output losses due to partial shading of photovoltaic cells, as they are connected in series, making them vulnerable to variations in light levels across the system.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of microsystem enabled photovoltaic modules, which are selectively arranged in series and parallel, utilizing multi-junction cells with differing bandgaps and operating voltages, allowing for more efficient voltage matching and current distribution, thereby minimizing the impact of shading on overall power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If photovoltaic cells are connected in series to multiply voltage, then voltage output is improved, but current output is reduced when partial shading occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic system is segmented into multiple independent modules, each capable of operating autonomously. When one module is shaded, only that segment's output is affected while other segments continue to generate power normally, preventing system-wide current reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-series connection to a two-dimensional array of series-parallel connected modules. This dimensional expansion allows current to flow through multiple parallel paths, so shading in one path does not block current in other paths.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple columns of photovoltaic cells are connected in series to obtain 200 volts, then voltage compatibility with commercial inverters is improved, but power output is severely reduced when one cell is shaded
Solution Approach 1:
The large series string is divided into smaller modular units that can be independently connected. This segmentation maintains the required 200V system voltage through parallel module combinations while allowing individual modules to operate independently under varying light conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multi-junction photovoltaic cells with different bandgaps that have inherently different operating voltages. By selecting and combining cells with specific voltage parameters, the system achieves both voltage compatibility and shading resilience.
3Device complexity
If conventional large photovoltaic cells are used, then fewer cells are needed to achieve desired voltage, but the system is more vulnerable to shading effects
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using fewer large cells that are highly vulnerable to shading, the system uses many smaller modular units. This segmentation increases the total cell count but distributes shading risk across multiple independent units, reducing overall vulnerability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs composite photovoltaic modules incorporating multi-junction cells with different bandgaps (e.g., silicon and gallium arsenide cells). This composite approach creates modules with diverse electrical characteristics that are less susceptible to uniform shading effects.
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 maintains stable power output even under partial shading conditions, as the system can distribute current proportionally, reducing power losses and enhancing the resilience of photovoltaic systems to spectral shifts and shading effects.
Implementation Method 1
a solar panel that is configured to receive solar radiation and convert such solar radiation to electric power
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of multi-junction cells, wherein a multi-junction cell comprises a plurality of stacked photovoltaic cells, and wherein the photovoltaic cells in the multi-junction cell have differing bandgaps and differing operating voltages
Data Source
AI summary
A photovoltaic system described herein includes a first group of photovoltaic modules that comprises a first plurality of microsystem enabled photovoltaic modules. A second group of photovoltaic modules comprises a second plurality of microsystem enabled photovoltaic modules, wherein the first group of photovoltaic modules are electrically connected in parallel to the second group of photovoltaic modules.