Sealed Connection Device for Photovoltaic Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
The sealing of photovoltaic solar cell assemblies, particularly at the electrical connection points, is inadequate, allowing humidity to penetrate and reduce the efficiency of energy conversion due to the sensitivity of chalcopyrite absorber layers to moisture.
Innovation Solution
A sealed connection device is introduced, featuring a substrate with orifices for electrical connections that include a presser member trapped within a cavity, filled with a fluid to prevent oxidation, and utilizing a conductive strip for enhanced contact and a bypass diode for improved electrical connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flexible connectors are used for electrical connections, then ease of connection is improved, but humidity penetration along the wires is accentuated
Solution Approach 1:
A sealing element acts as an intermediary barrier between the flexible connector and the internal cavity. This sealing component blocks humidity from traveling along the flexible connector while still allowing the connector to perform its electrical function, thus protecting the sensitive absorber layer from moisture ingress.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is positioned in advance to prevent humidity from reaching the absorber layer through the flexible connector. By establishing this protective barrier before humidity can penetrate, the system proactively counteracts the harmful effect of moisture ingress that would otherwise occur through the flexible connection path.
2Ease of manufacture
If the presser member is exposed to air, then ease of manufacture is improved, but oxidation of the presser member occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The presser member is housed within a sealed cavity that is filled with an inert or oxygen-free atmosphere. This protective environment prevents oxidation of the presser member while allowing it to maintain its mechanical pressing function. The cavity acts as a barrier that isolates the presser member from oxidative exposure during operation.
3Device complexity
If the cavity is left empty, then device complexity is reduced, but oxidation and humidity exposure occur
Solution Approach 1:
The cavity is filled with an inert or oxygen-free atmosphere to create a protective environment that prevents oxidation and humidity exposure of internal components. This simple yet effective measure protects the presser member and other sensitive elements without requiring complex structural modifications to the cavity itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The cavity environment is transformed from ordinary air to a composite atmosphere combining inert gas and potentially desiccant materials. This composite approach provides multi-layered protection against oxidation and humidity while maintaining relative simplicity in the overall device structure.
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 effectively prevents moisture ingress, maintaining the efficiency of the solar cell by ensuring reliable electrical connections and reducing oxidation risks, thereby enhancing the operational performance of the solar module.
Implementation Method 1
the cavity encompassing the presser member is filled with a fluid preserving the presser member from oxidation
Implementation Method 2
compositions for seals (or for a set of seals, one seal being intended for example to exert a barrier to liquid water, and the other performing a barrier steam)
Implementation Method 3
their photovoltaic (energy conversion) efficiency is significantly reduced during the penetration of humidity, by diffusion of water molecules in liquid or vapor form
Implementation Method 4
a functional layer based on an absorber material allowing energy conversion of light into electrical energy
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a light-capturing element comprising a first pane-type substrate (1) forming a protective cover, and a second substrate (1') forming a carrier plate, said substrates enclosing, between two conductive layers forming electrodes, at least one functional layer (7) based on an absorbent material enabling an energetic conversion of the light into electrical energy. The invention is characterised in that the second substrate (1') is provided with at least one opening arranged in the region of the conductive layers and inside which a pressure element (19) extends, said element being enclosed in a cavity located in an electrical connection device (9) fixed to the substrate (1').