Photovoltaic Panel Edge Connector for Aesthetic Facade Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic panels with transparent rear faces are aesthetically compromised by visible cable harnesses, making them unsuitable for facade installations, and current connection methods do not ensure safety or concealment of connections.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a male connector with external connection strips arranged along the panel edge, an interconnection bar, and connectors with junctions to the strips, housed within a frame with hollow tubular uprights, allowing edge connections that are sealed and safe, suitable for both transparent and opaque panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cable harnesses are used for electrical connections at the rear of photovoltaic panels, then electrical connection is achieved, but the aesthetic appearance is compromised when panels are transparent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the connection location from the rear face (2D surface) to the edge (1D boundary) of the panel. The male connector is positioned on the peripheral edge, allowing connections to be made laterally rather than from behind, thus eliminating visible cable harnesses on transparent panels while maintaining electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly is nested within the hollow tubular uprights of the support frame. The male connector, interconnection bar, and external connectors are housed inside the frame structure, concealing the connection mechanism while allowing edge access for wiring.
2Ease of manufacture
If connections are made at the rear of photovoltaic panels, then electrical connection is achieved, but safety protection for interveners is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is nested within the hollow tubular uprights of the support frame, which provide IP2X protection. The frame structure physically encloses the electrical connection components, preventing accidental contact while allowing controlled access during installation and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow tubular uprights act as an intermediary protective barrier between the electrical connection components and the external environment. This structural element provides both mechanical support and safety protection, separating the live electrical parts from potential contact zones.
3Shape
If transparent panels are used for facade installations, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but visible cable harnesses make them unsuitable
Solution Approach 1:
The connection approach is shifted from rear-face access (perpendicular to panel surface) to edge access (parallel to panel surface). This dimensional change allows cables to be routed along the edges and concealed within the frame structure, keeping transparent panels visually clear while enabling electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
All connection components are nested within the frame's hollow tubular uprights, completely concealing the electrical connection system from view. The male connector on the edge, interconnection bar, and external connectors are all housed inside the frame structure, making transparent panels suitable for aesthetic facade installations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Device for the external electrical connection of a photovoltaic panel (1), comprising: a male connector (100) placed on the edge of the photovoltaic panel (1), comprising a plurality of external connection blades (5, 5', 5") electrically connected to the electricity-generating cells; an electrical interconnection strip (160) for interconnecting the external blades, which comprises electrical junction means (165) for joining to the external connection blades, and electrical circuits suitable for interconnecting the electricity-generating cells; a first external connector (180) comprising an electrical junction means (181) for joining to a first external connection blade; a second external connector (190) comprising an electrical junction means (191) for joining to a second external connection blade; and a means (140) for holding together the assembly comprising the male connector (100), the interconnection strip (160), the first external connector (180) and the second external connector (190).