PV Interconnection Element With Flat Ends and Circular Midsection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interconnection elements for photovoltaic cells either suffer from significant shading due to their design, which reduces electrical production, or have inadequate mechanical and electrical contact due to small contact surfaces, leading to increased contact resistance and adhesion issues.

Innovation Solution

An interconnection element with first and second flat surfaces perpendicular to its direction and a circular section in between, providing a larger contact area for mechanical and electrical connections while minimizing shading through reflections, and manufactured by crushing a conductive wire to form the flat surfaces without complex equipment modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a ribbon with rectangular section is used, then a large contact surface is provided for bonding, but significant shading is produced which reduces electrical production

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact surface areaVSAvoidshading
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The interconnection element features different cross-sectional geometries at different locations: flat sections at the ends for bonding provide large contact surfaces, while a circular intermediate section minimizes shading. This local differentiation allows each portion to optimize its function - the flat ends maximize bonding area while the circular middle section reduces light obstruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The interconnection element is divided into three distinct portions: a first flat portion, a circular intermediate portion, and a second flat portion. This segmentation allows the element to combine the advantages of both ribbon-like (large contact area) and wire-like (minimal shading) structures within a single component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-generated harmful factors

If a wire with circular section is used, then shading is reduced, but the contact surface for bonding and welding is insufficient leading to increased contact resistance

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveshadingVSAvoidcontact resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The interconnection element features different cross-sectional geometries at different locations: flat sections at the ends for bonding provide large contact surfaces, while a circular intermediate section minimizes shading. This local differentiation allows each portion to optimize its function - the flat ends maximize bonding area while the circular middle section reduces light obstruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Object-generated harmful factors

If a wire with circular section is used, then shading is reduced, but mechanical adhesion to the cell is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveshadingVSAvoidmechanical adhesion
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The interconnection element features different cross-sectional geometries at different locations: flat sections at the ends for bonding provide large contact surfaces, while a circular intermediate section minimizes shading. This local differentiation allows each portion to optimize its function - the flat ends maximize bonding area while the circular middle section reduces light obstruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 solution enhances mechanical adhesion and reduces contact resistance while minimizing shading, improving the overall performance and reliability of photovoltaic chains by offering larger bonding surfaces and efficient electrical connections.

Implementation Method 1

thanks to the reflections of light rays on its curved surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4293730A1Interconnection element, photovoltaic string and related methods
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 MONDRAGON ASSEMBLY SCOOP
  • EP4293730A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4293730A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4293730A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

One aspect of the invention relates to an interconnecting element (INTR) comprising two distinct portions, each having a flat surface (S1) oriented along a direction (Y1), and separated by a third portion having a circular section (CIRC).