Reconfigurable Photovoltaic Module for Partial Shading Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photovoltaic systems face significant power losses due to partial shading, which existing technologies struggle to address efficiently, especially under non-uniform lighting conditions, leading to reduced energy yield and potential damage from local hot-spots.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic module with a grid arrangement of cells and reconfigurable interconnects that can dynamically switch between series, parallel, and hybrid connections in response to non-uniform photonic stimulation, allowing for optimal energy harvesting by clustering matching cells with DC-DC converters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If cells are connected in series to form module-level strings, then voltage output is increased, but power losses occur under partial shading conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic module is divided into multiple substrings of series-connected cells, which can be independently reconfigured. This segmentation allows the system to isolate shaded cells from unshaded cells, preventing the shaded cells from limiting the current of the entire series string and thus reducing power losses under partial shading conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The module incorporates reconfigurable interconnects that enable dynamic switching between different connection topologies (series, parallel, and hybrid). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt to varying shading conditions in real-time, optimizing power output by selecting the appropriate connection mode for the current environmental conditions.
2Reliability
If bypass diodes are placed across groups of cells, then heavily shaded cells are isolated, but curve of IV output is affected creating local maxima
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using bypass diodes across fixed groups of cells, the invention segments the module into reconfigurable substrings that can be dynamically reorganized. This approach isolates shaded cells through topology changes rather than passive diode bypassing, maintaining a cleaner IV curve without creating multiple local maxima that complicate MPPT operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The reconfigurable interconnects enable dynamic adjustment of the electrical topology to isolate shaded cells only when necessary, rather than having fixed bypass paths that always create local maxima in the IV curve. The system adapts its configuration based on real-time shading conditions, maintaining optimal electrical characteristics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reconfigurable interconnects are implemented, then adaptability to shading patterns is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The module is divided into a modular grid of cells organized into substrings with standardized reconfigurable interconnects at defined locations. This segmentation approach enables adaptability to various shading patterns while controlling complexity through regular, repeating interconnection patterns rather than custom wiring for each cell.
Solution Approach 2:
The reconfigurable interconnects are designed with universal switching capabilities that can create multiple connection topologies (series, parallel, and hybrid configurations) using the same physical components. This multi-functionality achieves high adaptability to different shading patterns without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same interconnect structure serves multiple configuration purposes.
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 solution enhances energy yield under non-uniform shading conditions while maintaining low component costs, reducing power losses and preventing damage from hot-spots, and can be adapted for various shading patterns.
Implementation Method 1
A photovoltaic system thus uses many interconnected solar cells to convert sunlight into electricity
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to reconfigurable voltaic modules. One example embodiment includes a photovoltaic module. The photovoltaic module includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells arranged in a grid having logical rows and columns. The photovoltaic module also includes a plurality of non-reconfigurable interconnects electrically interconnecting subsets of the plurality of photovoltaic cells to form a plurality of cell strings. In addition, the photovoltaic module includes a plurality of reconfigurable interconnects. Each cell string includes at least four photovoltaic cells connected in an electrical series from a first cell to a last cell, the first cell and the last cell being located on a same edge of the grid.