Solar Cell Module Terminal and Circuit Unit Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar cell modules require separate manufacturing and installation of junction boxes and inverters, leading to increased installation space and time, and suffer from heat dissipation issues that affect efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A solar cell module design that integrates a circuit unit, including a bypass diode and DC-AC inverter, within a terminal housing and inverter housing spaced apart from the solar cell panel, with a ribbon connecting the terminals to the circuit unit for efficient heat dissipation and simplified installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the junction box and inverter are integrated into a single unit, then the installation space and installation time are reduced, but the heat dissipation becomes more difficult and may deteriorate solar cell efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated unit is segmented into distinct functional zones: a junction box housing containing terminals and bypass diodes, and an inverter housing containing the DC-AC inverter. These housings are spaced apart by a predetermined distance, creating separate thermal management zones while maintaining electrical connectivity through ribbons. This segmentation allows independent heat dissipation pathways for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The inverter housing is disposed spaced apart from the rear surface of the solar cell panel by a predetermined distance in the vertical dimension. This spatial separation in the third dimension (height/depth) creates airflow channels and thermal zones that enable effective heat dissipation while maintaining the integrated configuration. The spacing creates a thermal buffer zone between the heat-generating components and the solar cell panel.
2Area of stationary object
If the junction box and inverter are disposed close to each other for compact installation, then the installation space is reduced, but the heat generated may affect solar cell efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter housing is positioned spaced apart from the rear surface of the solar cell panel by a predetermined distance in the vertical dimension, rather than spreading out horizontally. This vertical spacing creates thermal buffer zones and airflow channels that enable effective heat dissipation while maintaining a compact horizontal footprint. The three-dimensional arrangement optimizes both space utilization and thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The predetermined spacing between the inverter housing and solar cell panel acts as an intermediary thermal buffer zone. This space allows heat to dissipate away from the solar cell panel, preventing thermal interference that would reduce efficiency. The spacing serves as a thermal mediator that protects the solar cells from heat generated by the inverter.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate manufacturing of junction box and inverter is performed, then each component can be optimized independently, but the installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The junction box housing and inverter housing are merged into a single integrated unit that is installed as one assembly on the solar cell panel. The terminals and inverter are electrically connected through ribbons within the integrated structure. This merging reduces the number of separate installation steps while maintaining the ability to independently manufacture and optimize each component before integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The junction box housing and inverter housing are pre-assembled into an integrated unit with electrical connections established beforehand. The ribbons are pre-attached to the terminals and inverter components during manufacturing. This preliminary assembly of electrical connections simplifies the on-site installation process, reducing installation time while maintaining component optimization.
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 design enhances product reliability, maintains high solar cell efficiency, improves heat dissipation, and facilitates easy installation and replacement, reducing installation space and time while maintaining high performance.
Implementation Method 1
a circuit unit including a bypass diode that interconnects the terminals
Implementation Method 2
a direct current (DC)-alternating current (AC) inverter that converts direct current output from the terminals into alternating current
Data Source
Figure 1(a)
Figure 1(b)
Figure 2
AI summary
Disclosed is a solar cell module in which a terminal and a circuit unit are spaced apart from each other so as not to overlap each other and the circuit unit is spaced apart from a solar cell panel. The solar cell module includes a solar cell panel, a circuit unit, an inverter-fixing member disposed on the rear surface of the solar cell panel, and a ribbon that connects a terminal protruding from the rear surface of the solar cell panel to the circuit unit.