Solar Array Module Crisscross Matrix Network Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar array configurations, where solar cells are connected in series, result in output power being limited by the cell with the lowest maximum power, leading to inefficiencies and power loss due to bypassing of higher power cells.
Innovation Solution
A crisscross matrix network configuration is implemented, where solar cells are arranged in ascending or descending order of maximum power levels within each row and column, allowing for the bypassing of lower power cells and maximizing output power by ensuring adjacent cells have higher or equal power levels, with a high-efficiency DC/DC converter to boost voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If solar cells are connected in series to form serial-units, then the output voltage increases, but the total output power is limited by the solar cell with the lowest maximum output power
Solution Approach 1:
The solar array is segmented into multiple independent serial-units, each containing a specific number of solar cells connected in series. This segmentation allows different serial-units to operate independently, with each unit's power contribution determined by its own lowest-power cell, rather than the entire array being limited by a single weakest cell. The segmentation enables parallel operation of multiple serial-units to aggregate total power output.
Solution Approach 2:
Different serial-units are configured with different numbers of solar cells based on local power distribution characteristics. Serial-units are created where the lowest-power cell in each unit is optimized to contribute maximally to the total array power. This local optimization approach allows the system to adapt to variations in cell power ratings across different locations in the array, maximizing overall power extraction.
2Reliability
If bypass diodes are added to serial-units, then malfunctioning cells can be bypassed, but higher power cells are also bypassed resulting in power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The array is divided into multiple serial-units with carefully controlled cell compositions. By segmenting the array and limiting the number of cells per serial-unit, the voltage drop across each unit is reduced, allowing higher-power cells to contribute more effectively before bypass diodes activate. This segmentation strategy enables the system to maintain reliability while reducing unnecessary power loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The number of solar cells per serial-unit is adjusted as a key parameter to optimize power output. By changing this parameter, the system balances between maintaining sufficient voltage for effective operation and limiting the voltage drop that would trigger bypass diode activation. This parameter optimization allows higher-power cells to contribute maximally while still providing bypass protection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If solar cells with tolerance variations are connected in series, then the array can accommodate manufacturing variations, but the total power output is determined by the lowest power cell
Solution Approach 1:
The solar array is segmented into multiple serial-units, each containing a limited number of solar cells. This segmentation allows the system to accommodate manufacturing tolerance variations by distributing cells with different power ratings across multiple units rather than having all cells in a single long series string. Each unit operates semi-independently, allowing the lowest-power cell in each unit to determine that unit's contribution without limiting the entire array's potential power output.
Solution Approach 2:
Different serial-units are configured with different cell compositions based on local power distribution. Cells with varying power ratings are strategically distributed across multiple serial-units, allowing each unit to be optimized for its specific cell mix. This local quality approach ensures that manufacturing variations are accommodated while maximizing the contribution of higher-power cells in different units to the total array output.
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 configuration significantly increases the overall output power of the solar array module by enabling the sum of individual solar cell outputs, achieving higher wattage than conventional series-connected modules, with power gains demonstrated through voltage balancing and current distribution.
Implementation Method 1
Solar photovoltaic cells are widely used in a variety of applications to generate electricity
Implementation Method 2
a high efficiency DC/DC power transformer or DC/DC converter configured to boost the first output voltage level to a second output voltage level, higher than the first output voltage level
Data Source
AI summary
An improved solar power generation system, having at least one solar-array module. The solar cells in a solar-array module are interconnected in a crisscross matrix network configuration. The solar cells are a pre-sorted by the class of tolerance level of output power, such that the solar cells in each of the rows of solar cells are arranged in a steadily ascending (or steadily descending) order of the maximum power values that the solar cells are capable to provide, wherein the maximum power value of a solar cell in a particular row is higher or equal to the maximum power values of the previous (next, for steadily descending order) solar cells in the same row.