Preconnected Power Device Chains for Faster PV Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of power devices in photovoltaic systems is costly, time-consuming, and complex due to the need for individual coupling to power units and extensive use of connectors, which can lead to safety issues and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Power devices are preconnected during manufacturing to form a chain with permanent conductive connections, reducing the number of connectors and allowing for easier deployment by coupling them directly to photovoltaic generators, thereby simplifying installation and enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If power devices are individually coupled and connected with extensive connectors during deployment, then adaptability and ease of connection are improved, but device complexity, deployment cost, and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-connecting conductors to power devices during manufacturing before deployment. This allows the conductors to be ready for immediate connection to photovoltaic generators during installation, eliminating the need for extensive field connections and reducing deployment complexity while maintaining connection flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If connectors are used to connect power devices to photovoltaic generators, then ease of connection and adaptability are improved, but system safety deteriorates due to increased connection points susceptible to overheating and arcing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing connectors from the system entirely. Instead of using traditional connectors to connect conductors to photovoltaic generators, the conductors are directly integrated with the power devices during manufacturing. This eliminates the connection points that would otherwise be susceptible to overheating and arcing, thereby improving system safety while maintaining ease of installation.
3Productivity
If power devices are manufactured and packaged as single units with pre-connected conductors, then productivity and deployment speed are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by combining the power device and conductor into a single integrated unit during manufacturing. This allows the conductor to be permanently attached to the power device in a controlled manufacturing environment, ensuring precise connections. The integrated unit is then deployed as a complete assembly, improving deployment speed while the controlled manufacturing process maintains connection precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for deploying connected power devices and systems of connected power devices prior to deployment in a photovoltaic installation are described. For example, a string of power devices pre-coupled by conductors is disclosed, which saves cost, provides convenient storage, reduces electromagnetic interference, and is easy to deploy.