Photovoltaic Shingle Power Electronics for Modular Roof Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic systems on building roofs face challenges in efficiently integrating and connecting multiple building-integrated photovoltaic modules, particularly in terms of electrical and mechanical connections, which can affect energy harvesting and system reliability.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a plurality of building-integrated photovoltaic modules with power electronics units that are electrically and mechanically connected, including electrical connectors and power electronics units, allowing for efficient integration and connection of multiple modules, such as solar shingles, on a roof deck.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple building-integrated photovoltaic modules are installed and connected on a roof deck, then energy harvesting capability is improved, but electrical connection complexity and system reliability challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the photovoltaic installation into modular building-integrated photovoltaic modules, each with its own power electronics unit. This segmentation allows each module to be independently connected and managed, reducing the overall complexity of electrical connections while maintaining high energy harvesting capability across the entire array.
Solution Approach 2:
Power electronics units serve as intermediary components between the solar cells and the electrical grid. These units manage the electrical connections, handling power conversion and control functions, which simplifies the overall electrical connection architecture and improves system reliability by isolating potential failure points.
2Productivity
If power electronics units are integrated with solar cells in building-integrated photovoltaic modules, then energy harvesting efficiency is improved, but manufacturing and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power electronics unit is merged with the solar cells to form an integrated building-integrated photovoltaic module. This combination optimizes energy harvesting efficiency by reducing electrical losses and improving power management. The integrated design allows for standardized manufacturing processes that can handle the combined components efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The power electronics unit performs multiple functions including power conversion, maximum power point tracking, and electrical connection management. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the manufacturing process, as a single integrated unit handles multiple tasks that would otherwise require separate devices.
3Reliability
If power electronics units are electrically connected between vertically adjacent modules, then system reliability is improved, but installation complexity and mechanical connection requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is segmented into modular connection points between vertically adjacent modules. Each module's power electronics unit has designated connection terminals that simplify the wiring process. This segmentation allows installers to connect modules in a systematic manner, improving reliability through consistent connection patterns while reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The power electronics units are pre-configured with connection terminals and wiring arrangements before installation. This preliminary preparation ensures that when modules are installed vertically adjacent to each other, the electrical connections can be made quickly and reliably, reducing installation complexity while maintaining high system reliability.
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 energy harvesting efficiency and system reliability by optimizing electrical connections and mechanical attachments, facilitating seamless integration of photovoltaic modules on roof decks, particularly on steep slope roofs.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of building integrated photovoltaic modules includes a plurality of solar cells arranged in at least one row
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a plurality of building integrated photovoltaic modules installed on a roof deck and arranged in an array. The plurality of building integrated photovoltaic modules includes a first building integrated photovoltaic module and a second building integrated photovoltaic module, with the first building integrated photovoltaic module being vertically adjacent to the second building integrated photovoltaic module. Each of the building integrated photovoltaic modules includes a plurality of solar cells arranged in at least one row, and a power electronics unit. The power electronics unit is adjacent to a first end of one of the at least one row of the plurality of solar cells. The power electronics unit is electrically connected to the plurality of solar cells. The power electronics unit of the first building integrated photovoltaic module is electrically connected to the power electronics unit of the second building integrated photovoltaic module.