Concentrator Photovoltaic Module Groove Bottom Plate

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Solution Overview

Problem

In concentrator photovoltaic modules, thermal expansion of the metal bottom plate causes it to bend inward, misaligning power generating elements and leading to a decrease in power generation efficiency due to light leakage, as the resin frame restricts thermal expansion and changes in thermal expansion coefficients between materials.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of groove portions on the inner surface of the bottom plate reduces thermal expansion, allowing the plate to bend outward instead of inward, preventing light leakage and maintaining alignment of power generating elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a metal bottom plate is used to ensure thermal dissipation while holding down manufacturing cost, then thermal dissipation performance is improved, but thermal expansion causes the plate to bend inward and misalign power generating elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal dissipation performanceVSAvoidalignment precision of power generating elements

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the thermal expansion principle by providing groove portions on the inner surface of the bottom plate. These grooves allow the metal bottom plate to expand outward when heated, rather than bending inward. The grooves accommodate the thermal expansion of the metal plate, preventing misalignment of the power generating elements while maintaining the thermal dissipation benefits of the metal material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #37Thermal expansion

2Stability of the object's composition

If the resin frame body restricts thermal expansion of the bottom plate, then structural stability is improved, but the bottom plate bends inward causing light leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stability of housingVSAvoidlight leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The groove portions enable the bottom plate to expand in the direction of the grooves (outward) rather than being forced to bend inward by the resin frame body. This resolves the conflict between structural stability and light leakage by providing a controlled expansion path that maintains both stability and proper alignment of optical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #37Thermal expansion

3Manufacturing precision

If groove portions are provided on the inner surface of the bottom plate, then thermal expansion is reduced and bending is prevented, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precision of power generating elementsVSAvoidstructural complexity of bottom plate

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The groove portions segment the bottom plate surface, creating controlled regions that accommodate thermal expansion. This segmentation approach maintains manufacturing precision while adding minimal structural complexity, as the grooves are simple features that can be integrated into the bottom plate manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Prevents the bottom plate from bending inward due to thermal expansion, thereby reducing light leakage and maintaining power generation efficiency by allowing the plate to protrude outward, ensuring concentrated sunlight reaches the power generating elements effectively.

Implementation Method 1

Groove portions for reducing thermal expansion of the inner surface side of the bottom plate are provided on the inner surface of the bottom plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

a concentrating portion configured by arranging a plurality of concentrating lenses that concentrate sunlight

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight concentration: Lens

Implementation Method 3

a plurality of secondary concentrating lenses that are provided corresponding respectively to the plurality of power generating elements and guide the sunlight concentrated by the plurality of concentrating lenses to the plurality of power generating elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight guidance: Lens

Implementation Method 4

a plurality of power generating elements arranged at positions corresponding respectively to the plurality of concentrating lenses

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3667741B1Concentrator photovoltaic module, concentrator photovoltaic panel, and concentrator photovoltaic device

Publication Date: 2023.06.14 SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES LTD

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AI summary

A concentrator photovoltaic module includes: a concentrating portion configured by arranging a plurality of Fresnel lenses that concentrate sunlight; a plurality of power generating elements arranged at positions corresponding respectively to the plurality of Fresnel lenses; a plurality of ball lenses that are provided corresponding respectively to the plurality of power generating elements and guide the sunlight concentrated by the plurality of Fresnel lenses to the plurality of power generating elements; and a housing that contains the plurality of ball lenses and the plurality of power generating elements. The housing includes a resin frame body, and a metal bottom plate that is fixed to the frame body, and on the inner surface of which the plurality of ball lenses and the plurality of power generating elements are arranged. The groove portion (30) for reducing thermal expansion of the inner surface (15a) side of the bottom plate is provided on the inner surface (15a) of the bottom plate.