Photovoltaic Module High-Frequency Signaling Against PID Degradation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Photovoltaic modules experience performance degradation due to potential induced degradation (PID) and surface polarization phenomena, leading to reduced electricity generation efficiency and electrical energy conversion capability, which existing methods fail to adequately address.

Innovation Solution

Applying a high frequency signal, ranging from 0.1MHz to 100THz, to the photovoltaic module to release accumulated charges and prevent further degradation, either by exciting negative charges into the module or keeping metal ions within the glass, thus suppressing PID and surface polarization phenomena.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a DC signal is supplied to discharge accumulated charge, then the degradation phenomenon is suppressed, but the electrical energy conversion capability is degraded and electricity generation efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedegradation suppressionVSAvoidelectricity generation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic AC signals with frequencies ranging from 50Hz to 100kHz to the photovoltaic module. This periodic action creates oscillating electric fields that effectively discharge accumulated charges and suppress degradation phenomena (PID and surface polarization) while maintaining the module's electrical energy conversion capability, unlike continuous DC signals that cause performance degradation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the signal parameters by using AC signals with varying frequencies (50Hz to 100kHz) and adjustable amplitudes instead of fixed DC signals. This parameter optimization allows effective charge discharge and degradation suppression while preserving the photovoltaic module's electricity generation efficiency and electrical energy conversion capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a DC voltage is applied to discharge accumulated charges, then the degradation phenomenon is suppressed, but the electrical energy conversion capability is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedegradation suppressionVSAvoidelectrical energy conversion capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic AC voltage signals with frequencies from 50Hz to 100kHz to create oscillating electric fields that discharge accumulated charges without causing the performance degradation associated with DC voltage application. This periodic action suppresses degradation phenomena while maintaining electrical energy conversion capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the voltage application method from static DC to dynamic AC with optimized frequency and amplitude parameters. This parameter optimization enables effective charge discharge and degradation suppression while preserving the photovoltaic module's power conversion capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If charges accumulate in the photovoltaic module under electric potential, then the photovoltaic module operates, but electricity generation efficiency decreases and electrical energy conversion capability is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectricity generation efficiencyVSAvoiddegradation resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the AC signal parameters (frequency and amplitude) can be adjusted based on the module's operational state and degradation level. This feedback control optimizes the signal application to maintain high electricity generation efficiency while providing continuous protection against degradation phenomena

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The periodic AC signal application creates oscillating electric fields that continuously manage charge accumulation, preventing the conditions that lead to degradation while maintaining optimal electricity generation efficiency throughout operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 high frequency signal effectively prolongs the lifespan of charge carriers, reduces recombination, and enhances electricity generation efficiency by maintaining the photovoltaic module's performance.

Implementation Method 1

the high frequency signal is applied to the photovoltaic module to excite the negative charges accumulating on the surface of the photovoltaic module into the photovoltaic module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHigh frequency signal excitation: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

the high frequency signal is applied to the photovoltaic module to make the metal ions in the glass of the photovoltaic module stay inside the glass

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHigh frequency signal constraint: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP3745470B1Photovoltaic module-based degradation processing method and related device
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 HUAWEI DIGITAL POWER TECH CO LTD
  • EP3745470B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3745470B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3745470B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4D

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a degradation phenomenon treatment method based on a photovoltaic module, and a related device. The method includes: applying a high frequency signal to the photovoltaic module when a degradation phenomenon occurs in the photovoltaic module, to protect the photovoltaic module and suppress or eliminate the degradation phenomenon, where the degradation phenomenon refers to degradation of electricity generation efficiency of the photovoltaic module under effect of an electric potential. According to the embodiments of the present invention, prior-art problems can be resolved, such as a declined electrical energy conversion capability and decreased electricity generation efficiency of a photovoltaic module caused by a surface polarization phenomenon and/or a PID phenomenon occurring in the photovoltaic module.