Solar Cell Module Shield Design for Interconnector Concealment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar cell modules appear untidy and unattractive due to visible interconnectors and bushing bars, which affect their aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of shields, specifically a first shield positioned on the interconnector and a second shield on the bushing bar, which are designed to visually block these components, using materials like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and cohesion layers, and are optimized to have a reflective surface and asymmetrical shapes to enhance appearance and light efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If interconnectors and bushing bars are used to connect solar cells, then electrical connection is achieved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible components
Solution Approach 1:
A shield component is introduced as an intermediary element that covers the interconnectors and bushing bars from the front surface view. The shield is positioned between the front surface and the interconnectors, acting as a visual barrier while allowing electrical current to pass through the interconnector structure underneath.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield is implemented as a thin, flexible component that can conform to the underlying interconnector structure. This thin-film approach allows the shield to effectively hide the interconnectors while minimizing impact on the overall module structure and maintaining electrical performance.
2Shape
If shields are added to conceal interconnectors, then aesthetic appearance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is integrated with existing module components such as the front surface assembly, encapsulant, or frame structure. By merging the shield function with existing structural elements, the patent avoids adding a completely separate complex subsystem, thereby reducing overall device complexity while still achieving the aesthetic improvement.
3Shape
If shield width is increased to fully cover interconnectors, then aesthetic appearance improves, but light reception area decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield width is optimized to provide sufficient coverage of the interconnectors only in the regions where visual hiding is necessary, rather than uniformly covering the entire module surface. This localized approach ensures aesthetic improvement while preserving maximum light reception area on the solar cell surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield is designed to cover the interconnectors to the extent necessary for aesthetic purposes, rather than providing complete or excessive coverage. This partial action approach achieves the desired visual effect while minimizing the reduction in light reception area.
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
The shields effectively conceal the interconnectors and bushing bars, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the solar cell module while maintaining thermal stability and light reflection efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A light reflective layer including one of a plurality of concavo-convex portions, light reflective particles, and a metal may be provided on a front surface of the first shield as a light receiving surface of the first shield.
Data Source
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AI summary
A solar cell module includes a plurality of cell strings having a plurality of solar cells, each solar cell having a semiconductor substrate (110), and a first conductivity-type electrode (141) and a second conductivity-type electrode (142) provided on a first surface of the semiconductor substrate, an interconnector (300) electrically connecting a first conductivity-type electrode of a first solar cell, among the plurality of solar cells included in the plurality of cell strings, and a second conductivity-type electrode of a second solar cell adjacent to the first solar cell in a first direction, to connect the first and second solar cells in series, and a first shield (400a) positioned on a front surface of the interconnector between the first and second solar cells, and extending in a second direction crossing the first direction.