Solar Cell Module Wiring for Hotspot Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar cell modules experience a hotspot phenomenon when shaded or obstructed, leading to reduced power generation and potential damage to solar cells.
Innovation Solution
The solar cell module is configured with solar cells arranged in both series and parallel connections, utilizing wiring members with specific electrode connections and slits to ensure current flow around shaded cells, thereby preventing hotspot formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If solar cells are connected in series to increase power output, then power generation is improved, but hotspot phenomenon occurs when shaded cells are present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the solar cell array into multiple series strings, where each string contains multiple solar cells connected in series. This segmentation allows that even if some cells are shaded, the current can still flow through the unshaded cells in the same string, reducing the hotspot phenomenon while maintaining power generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a parallel connection dimension to the traditional series connection structure. By connecting multiple series strings in parallel, the system creates an additional current path that allows current to bypass shaded cells through alternative paths, thereby reducing hotspot formation while maintaining high power output.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If bypass diodes are added to reduce hotspot, then hotspot phenomenon is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bypass function into the existing series string structure by utilizing the parallel connection of multiple strings. Instead of adding separate bypass diodes, the system uses the alternative current paths through parallel strings to achieve the bypass function, thereby reducing hotspot phenomenon without significantly increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple wiring members are used to connect solar cells in series and parallel, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs wiring members that serve multiple functions: they connect solar cells in series within a string and also provide parallel connections between strings. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of wiring members needed while improving connection reliability, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity compared to using separate wiring members for each connection type.
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 stabilizes power generation even under shading conditions, reduces the risk of hotspot formation, and minimizes damage to solar cells.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of solar cells each having electrodes on one surface of a semiconductor substrate
Implementation Method 2
Each of the wiring members including a connection part extending in the second direction is shared by the plurality of solar cells arranged in the second direction
Data Source
AI summary
A solar cell has electrodes in one surface of a semiconductor substrate. A solar cell module includes a plurality of the solar cells arranged in a first direction and in a second direction. The electrodes of the plurality of solar cells arranged in the first direction are connected by the wiring members such that the plurality of solar cells is connected in series. The electrodes of the plurality of solar cells arranged in the second direction are connected by the wiring members such that the plurality of solar cells is connected in parallel. Each of the wiring members includes a strip-shaped connection part extending in the second direction, and is disposed between the solar cells adjacent to each other in the first direction.