PV Module and Reflector Row Layout for Shading-Resistant Solar Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar energy systems face challenges in reducing costs, achieving efficiency under non-uniform lighting conditions, and securing PV modules, particularly in latitudes greater than 20 degrees, where shading and wind loading issues arise, leading to decreased performance and increased installation costs.
Innovation Solution
A solar energy system with multiple PV modules arranged in rows, where each module includes parallel and series-connected PV cells, and interposed reflector rows that are mechanically interconnected to reflect light at various angles, along with a power conversion device and redundant inverters for improved efficiency and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PV modules are widely spaced to avoid shading, then shading effects are reduced, but installation area and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the PV array into alternating rows of PV modules and reflectors. This segmentation allows closer spacing of PV modules while the interposed reflectors redirect light to fill shading gaps, maintaining performance without increasing installation area.
Solution Approach 2:
Reflectors are introduced as intermediary elements between PV module rows. These reflectors mediate the light distribution by capturing sunlight and redirecting it to shaded PV modules, enabling closer spacing while avoiding shading effects.
2Strength
If PV modules are secured with added ballast or structural penetrations, then wind loading resistance is improved, but installation cost and building service life are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the PV module mounting structure with the reflector support structure into a single integrated framework. This combined structure provides wind loading resistance for both components without requiring separate ballast or structural penetrations, reducing installation cost and preserving building service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure serves multiple functions: it supports PV modules, supports reflectors, provides wind loading resistance, and enables easy installation/removal without structural penetrations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional anchoring systems.
3Productivity
If flat large area reflectors are used to concentrate light, then lighting efficiency is improved, but optical hazards and positioning complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using large flat reflectors that require precise positioning, the system employs multiple smaller reflectors with locally optimized orientations. Each reflector is positioned and angled to target specific PV modules, reducing positioning complexity while maintaining lighting efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector field is segmented into multiple discrete reflector units distributed between PV module rows. This segmentation reduces the complexity of individual reflector positioning and eliminates optical hazards associated with large concentrated reflections.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional series-connected PV cells are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but power gain under non-uniform lighting is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The PV module is segmented into multiple independently connected PV cells arranged in parallel strings. This segmentation allows each cell or string to operate independently under non-uniform lighting conditions, maintaining power output while preserving manufacturing simplicity through standard parallel connection techniques.
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 system achieves illumination-agnostic performance, reduces shading effects, and self-ballasts, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing installation costs by minimizing the need for additional anchoring systems, while maintaining structural stability and maximizing electrical output.
Implementation Method 1
Each reflector row is arranged to reflect light having various incident angles on to one of the two adjacent module rows
Implementation Method 2
Each PV module includes a plurality of PV cells arranged in a plurality of cell rows
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
In one embodiment, a solar energy system includes a plurality of module rows and a plurality of reflector rows. Each module row includes a plurality of PV modules. Each PV module includes a plurality of PV cells arranged in a plurality of cell rows, the PV cells in each cell row being electrically connected in parallel to each other, and the plurality of cell rows being electrically connected in series to each other. Each reflector row includes a plurality of reflectors. The reflector rows are interposed between the module rows such that each reflector row is mechanically interconnected between two adjacent module rows and is arranged to reflect light having some incident angles on to one of the two adjacent module rows.