Photovoltaic Interconnection Element Balancing Contact Area and Shading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interconnection elements for photovoltaic cells either cast significant shadows, reducing electrical output, or have insufficient mechanical adhesion and high contact resistance due to small contact surface areas.
Innovation Solution
An interconnection element with first and second portions having planar surfaces perpendicular to a circular cross-section, providing increased mechanical and electrical contact areas while minimizing shading by reflecting light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If an interconnection strip with rectangular cross-section is used, then mechanical adhesion and contact surface area are improved, but shading over the cells increases, reducing electrical output
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnection element is divided into three distinct portions: first and second portions with planar surfaces for bonding, and a third intermediate portion with circular cross-section for minimal shading. This segmentation allows each portion to fulfill its specific function optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the interconnection element have different cross-sectional shapes tailored to their specific functions: planar surfaces at bonding locations for maximum contact area, and circular cross-section in the intermediate portion for minimal shading. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between adhesion and shading.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If an interconnection wire with circular cross-section is used, then shading is reduced, but mechanical adhesion and contact surface area decrease, increasing contact resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The wire is segmented into portions with different cross-sectional characteristics: circular in the intermediate section for minimal shading, and planar surfaces at the ends for enhanced bonding contact area.
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnection element exhibits local quality variation along its length, with planar surfaces localized at bonding interfaces and circular cross-section in the spanning portion, optimizing both adhesion and shading properties at different locations.
3Area of moving object
If a flat wire extending along its entire length is used, then contact surface area for welding is improved, but shading is not minimized as effectively as a perfectly circular cross-section would provide
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnection element is segmented into bonding portions with planar surfaces and an intermediate portion with circular cross-section, allowing the bonding areas to have high contact surface area while the intermediate portion maintains minimal shading characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the interconnection element have different geometric properties: planar surfaces where bonding is required and circular cross-section where shading reduction is critical, achieving both objectives simultaneously.
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
Enhances mechanical adhesion and reduces contact resistance while minimizing shading, improving the overall performance of photovoltaic strings.
Implementation Method 1
reduces the cast shadow by virtue of its narrow transverse width and by virtue of reflections of light rays on its curved surface
Data Source
AI summary
An interconnection element extending along a first direction, the interconnection element including first and second ends opposite to each other, and first, second and third portions extending between the first and second ends, the first portion having a first planar surface oriented along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the second portion, distant from the first portion and from the second end the second portion having a second planar surface oriented along the second direction, and the third portion, between the first portion and the second portion, and having a circular cross-section.