Photovoltaic Spacing Layer Prevents Electrical Arcs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Thin-film photovoltaic devices face challenges with electrical arcs due to mechanical stress and environmental degradation, which can lead to inefficiency and failure, necessitating measures to prevent arc formation and maintain electrical isolation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a spacing layer with fiberglass rovings between the photovoltaic device and the back sheet to maintain electrical isolation and structural reinforcement, ensuring adequate spacing and support at critical components like busbars and interconnects, thereby preventing arcs and ensuring compliance with certification standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If thin-film photovoltaic devices are made flexible by encapsulating within polymer layers, then adaptability and ease of installation are improved, but mechanical stress and strain increase, leading to potential damage of electrical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite encapsulation structure consisting of multiple polymer layers with different properties. The first encapsulation layer provides flexibility and conformability, while the second encapsulation layer provides structural support and stress distribution. This composite approach allows the device to be flexible yet resistant to mechanical stress and strain, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
2Productivity
If electrical components are placed closer together to reduce device size, then productivity and material usage are improved, but electrical arcs between components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electrically insulating layer positioned between electrical components such as busbars and connectors. This intermediary layer prevents direct electrical contact and arc formation between components, allowing them to be placed closer together without increasing the risk of electrical arcs. The insulating layer acts as a mediator that enables compact design while maintaining electrical safety.
3Reliability
If spacing between electrical components is increased to prevent electrical arcs, then electrical isolation is improved, but device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the encapsulation layers to serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical protection, electrical insulation, and structural support. The electrically insulating layer is integrated into the encapsulation structure rather than being a separate component, allowing adequate electrical spacing to be maintained without significantly increasing device complexity. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction between electrical isolation and device simplicity.
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3A~3F
Figure 4~7
AI summary
A photovoltaic apparatus is provided including a front sheet, a back sheet, and a photovoltaic device disposed between the front sheet and the back sheet. The photovoltaic device includes a first photovoltaic cell and a second photovoltaic cell separated in a first direction. The photovoltaic device further includes a first serial interconnect having a length that extends in a second direction. The first serial interconnect is disposed between the first photovoltaic cell from the second photovoltaic cell. The first photovoltaic cell and the second photovoltaic cell are electrically connected in series by the first interconnect. The photovoltaic apparatus further includes a spacing layer including a first roving disposed between the first interconnect and the back sheet. The first roving has a length that is aligned with the length of first serial interconnect.