Solar Array Module Passive Switching via Crisscross Matrix
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar array modules face significant power reduction due to light obstruction and electrical failures, particularly when a row of solar cells is shaded, leading to disrupted current flow and reduced functionality, and existing solutions rely on costly and complex active switching mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A solar module design with solar cells arranged in a physical matrix where electrical connections form a crisscross pattern, allowing for partial overlap between physical and electrical rows, enabling passive rerouting of current and minimizing the impact of shaded rows, without the need for active switching mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If solar cells are connected in series to provide higher voltage levels, then voltage output is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to current disruption when a single cell fails or is shaded
Solution Approach 1:
The solar array is segmented into multiple independent series strings, where each string contains a subset of the total solar cells. This segmentation allows current to flow through alternative strings when one string is disrupted by shading or cell failure, maintaining overall system reliability while preserving high voltage output through series connection within each string.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional series connection to a two-dimensional array structure with multiple parallel strings. This dimensional change provides redundant current paths while maintaining the voltage benefits of series connections, resolving the contradiction between voltage output and current flow continuity.
2Device complexity
If a single string of solar cells is used to simplify the system structure, then device complexity is reduced, but power generation is substantially reduced when light obstruction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The solar array is divided into multiple independent series strings arranged in parallel. This segmentation creates redundant current paths that allow the system to maintain power generation when one string is obstructed by shadows from tilted modules or external objects, without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each local string within the array is optimized for series connection to maximize voltage, while the global parallel arrangement provides redundancy. This local quality approach allows each string to function independently, ensuring that local obstructions do not compromise overall productivity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar modules are tilted to optimize sun exposure, then energy capture is improved, but shadow casting on neighboring modules increases power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The array is segmented into multiple independent strings that can tolerate individual string shading. When modules are tilted and cast shadows, only specific strings may be affected, while other strings continue to generate power, maintaining overall array productivity despite the harmful shadowing effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of shadowing into a manageable issue by designing the array so that shadows affect only portions of the array rather than the entire system. The parallel string structure allows the system to benefit from tilted module orientation while minimizing the impact of shadow casting through redundant current paths.
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 design ensures continuous current flow even when a row of solar cells is shaded, enhancing power generation and reducing the risk of electrical failures, while eliminating the reliance on costly active switching mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
Photovoltaic cells have been widely used in a variety of applications to generate convenient electricity
Data Source
AI summary
A solar array module system for generating electric-power, preconfigured to prevent electric blockage of the module when a physical row of solar cells malfunctions. The module includes a matrix of X physical rows and Y columns of solar cells, electrically interconnected in a plain criss-cross matrix. The columns of the physical matrix are divided into a first side, numbering YL columns, and a second side, numbering Y-YL columns. The first side includes cells that are physically inverted relative to the cells of the second side. The negative side of the cell in the 1+nth physical row of column YL is electrically connected to the negative side of the cell in the X-nth physical row of column YL+1 (0≤n<X). The positive side of the cell in the Xth physical row of column YL is electrically connected to the positive side of the cell in the 1st physical row of column YL+1.