Photovoltaic systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing photovoltaic (PV) systems face challenges in efficiently connecting multiple PV units on roofing structures due to the complexity and cost of making numerous electrical connections, which are prone to environmental degradation and quality control issues during installation.

Innovation Solution

A roofing panel system incorporating wireless power transfer circuitry, including inductive and capacitive coupling, to enable efficient power transmission and reception between PV cells, reducing the need for direct electrical connections and enhancing installation efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired electrical connections are used to connect PV units on roofing structures, then electrical power transmission is achieved, but the system becomes complex, expensive, and time-consuming to install with quality control issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces wired mechanical electrical connections with wireless power transmission technology. The wireless power transmission device transmits power wirelessly from a power source to multiple PV units, eliminating the need for physical electrical wiring between components. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable power transmission while dramatically reducing installation complexity and time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a wireless power transmission device as an intermediary between the power source and PV units. This intermediary device establishes wireless communication channels and transmits power without direct physical contact, thereby simplifying the connection system while ensuring reliable power delivery to multiple units simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If numerous wired connections are made during installation, then electrical output is achieved, but installation time increases and quality control becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidconnection quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing the mechanical wiring process with wireless power transmission, the patent eliminates the time-consuming task of making numerous individual electrical connections. The wireless system establishes power transmission through electromagnetic fields, enabling rapid deployment while maintaining consistent connection quality without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless power transmission device is pre-configured to communicate with and power multiple PV units simultaneously. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for sequential connection-making during installation, allowing installers to quickly deploy the system while ensuring each connection meets quality standards through automated verification protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Duration of action of stationary object

If traditional wired connections are used, then electrical connectivity is established, but material wear and environmental degradation occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent lifeVSAvoidenvironmental degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces exposed wired connections with wireless power transmission, eliminating physical contact points that are susceptible to environmental damage. The wireless system transmits power through electromagnetic fields without requiring exposed conductors or connectors, thereby preventing material wear, corrosion, and degradation from weather exposure while extending component lifespan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system allows for simplified and reliable interconnection of PV panels, improving installation speed and quality while reducing material wear and thermal-stabilizing attributes, leading to enhanced power output and extended component life.

Implementation Method 1

wireless power transfer circuitry for transmitting power to another roofing panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

wireless power transfer circuitry for receiving power from another roofing panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

receiving circuitry comprising an inductor and a rectifier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Data Source

PatentUS11018618B2Photovoltaic systems

Publication Date: 2021.05.25 ZINNIATEK

AI summary

This invention relates to a roofing panel for interconnection with one or more additional roofing panels. The roofing panel comprises a PV cell coupled to an inverter, and wireless (or optionally wired) power transfer circuitry for transmitting power to another roofing panel and/or the AC grid and/or to an AC inverter, and/or for receiving power from another roofing panel.