Reconfigurable Photovoltaic Module Layout for On-Demand Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photovoltaic systems face limitations in flexibility and efficiency, particularly in large-area applications where output voltage is often too high and difficult to adjust, leading to safety concerns and challenges in balancing system design due to fixed interconnection methods.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic apparatus with selectively configurable junctions and inter-module rails allows for flexible series and parallel connections of photovoltaic modules, enabling customizable output voltage and current by configuring the number of cells and modules, using linkable gaps and severable links made from conductive materials like paste or ink.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed interconnection methods are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic system is divided into modular units with standardized interfaces. Each module can be independently configured and connected through selective junctions, allowing flexible assembly without redesigning the entire system. This segmentation enables adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through repetition of standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnection structure incorporates selectively configurable junctions that can be dynamically adjusted during manufacturing or installation. These junctions allow the system to transition between different series and parallel configurations based on application requirements, providing flexibility without requiring multiple fixed designs.
2Power
If inorganic crystalline silicon solar cells are used, then conversion efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from inorganic crystalline silicon to organic photovoltaic materials, representing a fundamental parameter change in material composition. This substitution maintains acceptable power conversion efficiency while dramatically reducing manufacturing complexity and cost, as organic materials can be processed using simpler, lower-energy methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs organic photovoltaic materials that are cheaper and easier to manufacture, accepting that they may have shorter operational lifetimes compared to inorganic alternatives. This trade-off prioritizes ease of manufacture and cost-effectiveness over long-term durability, aligning with the goal of reducing manufacturing barriers.
3Power
If application length is increased, then power output is improved, but output voltage becomes too high for safety
Solution Approach 1:
The selectively configurable junctions enable dynamic adjustment of series and parallel connections based on the desired application length and voltage requirements. When application length increases, the system can transition from series connections (which increase voltage) to parallel connections (which maintain voltage while increasing current and power), ensuring safety is maintained throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The system can change its electrical configuration parameters (series/parallel ratio) to decouple the relationship between application length and output voltage. This allows power output to scale with application length while keeping voltage within safe operating limits through reconfiguration of the interconnection topology.
4Adaptability or versatility
If output voltage is fixed by module voltage and application length, then system design is simplified, but adaptability to different inverter systems is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic array is segmented into modular units with standardized electrical interfaces. Each module can be configured in series or parallel connections through selective junctions, creating standardized building blocks that can be combined to match various inverter input requirements without custom design for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The selectively configurable junctions create a universal interconnection platform that can adapt to multiple inverter systems with different voltage and current requirements. The same modular architecture serves multiple functions by reconfiguring connections, eliminating the need for different designs for different inverters and simplifying balance of system design.
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
This approach enables cost-effective, customizable, and safe large-area photovoltaic systems where output voltage can be set on demand, compatible with various inverter systems, and allows for easy integration of solution-processed solar cells on flexible substrates.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of photovoltaic cells electrically connected between the first and second module terminals
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to a photovoltaic apparatus comprising a carrier substrate. The carrier substrate carries printed structures comprising: a plurality of photovoltaic modules, each module including first and second terminals and a plurality of photovoltaic cells electrically connected between the first and second module terminals; a first bus bar extending along one side of the photovoltaic modules; a second bus bar extending along an opposite side of the photovoltaic modules; and a plurality of intermodule rails, each inter-module rail being associated with a photovoltaic module. The apparatus includes a plurality of selectively configurable junctions, one or more of the junctions being configurable to enable a photovoltaic module to be selectively connected to or disconnected from an adjacent photovoltaic module via one or more inter-module rails, and/or enable a module terminal to selectively connect with or disconnect from one of the first and second bus bars, such that the photovoltaic modules can be selectively electrically connected in series and/or parallel on demand.