Removable PV Electronics Housing for Roof-Mounted Module Repair
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for low profile electrical components with replaceable electronic components configured for use with photovoltaic systems installed on roof decks.
Innovation Solution
The development of electrical components with a housing containing electronic components such as optimizers, rapid shutdown devices, or inverters that are removably connected to electrical connectors, allowing for easy disconnection and replacement without removing the photovoltaic modules from the roof deck.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic components are integrated into photovoltaic modules, then system reliability is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrical component into separate functional modules: a housing that remains attached to the photovoltaic module and electronic components that can be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation allows the electronic components to be repaired or upgraded without removing the entire photovoltaic module, thus improving ease of repair while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the electronic components from the photovoltaic module by providing removable connections between the housing and the electronic components. This extraction enables independent access to electronic components for repair or replacement while the housing remains integrated with the module, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of repair.
2Device complexity
If electronic components are permanently attached to photovoltaic modules, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic connectivity between the housing and electronic components through removable connections. This allows the system to transition between integrated and separated states, enabling adaptability for different electronic components while maintaining a relatively simple housing structure. The dynamic nature of the connection resolves the contradiction between device complexity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed with universal features that can accommodate different types of electronic components through standardized removable connections. This universality allows the same housing to work with various electronic components, improving adaptability without significantly increasing the complexity of the housing design.
3Ease of repair
If electronic components are made replaceable, then ease of repair is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical component into a housing and removable electronic components, which simplifies the repair process by allowing direct access to electronic components. The housing structure is designed to be simple enough that the added complexity of removable connections does not significantly increase overall device complexity, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of repair and device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes at least one photovoltaic module installed on a roof deck, at least one electrical connector electrically connected to the photovoltaic module, and at least one electrical component electrically and removably connected to the electrical connector. The electrical component includes a housing and an electronic component located within the housing. The electronic component includes at least one of an optimizer, a rapid shutdown device, or an inverter. The electrical component is separate from the photovoltaic module and is configured to be disconnected from the electrical connector while the photovoltaic module remains installed on the roof deck.