Solar Cell Panel Interconnector Design for Electrical Discharge Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar cell panels in spacecrafts face electrical discharge issues due to high potential differences between solar cells, which can be mitigated by reducing the potential difference between adjacent cells, but prior solutions like using insulating barriers increase weight and cost.
Innovation Solution
The solar cell panel design arranges solar cell assembly series with identical potential gradients, reducing the potential difference between adjacent cells to less than 2V volts without the need for an insulating barrier, thereby preventing electrical discharges and minimizing weight and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an insulating barrier (RTV adhesive) is placed in the gap between solar cells, then electrical discharges are prevented, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the insulating barrier (RTV adhesive) from the solar cell assembly by redesigning the connection structure. The interconnector design with integrated insulation features and optimized spacing eliminates the need for separate insulating materials, thereby reducing weight while maintaining electrical discharge prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate insulating structure within the interconnector itself rather than using separate insulating barriers between cells. The interconnector incorporates insulating features that mediate the electrical isolation function, integrating multiple functions into a single component to reduce overall weight
2Reliability
If an insulating barrier (RTV adhesive) is placed in the gap between solar cells, then electrical discharges are prevented, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connection and insulation functions into a single interconnector component. By integrating the insulating features directly into the interconnector structure, the design eliminates the need for separate insulating materials and reduces assembly steps, thereby lowering manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnector is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: electrical connection between cells, structural support, and electrical insulation. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed and simplifies manufacturing processes, leading to cost reduction
3Power
If solar cells are arranged with different gradient directions in adjacent series, then potential difference is maximized at connection points, but electrical discharge risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges solar cell assembly series with identical gradient directions in their potentials, creating equipotential conditions at connection points. This configuration ensures that adjacent solar cells have minimal potential difference (less than 2V), eliminating the risk of electrical discharge while maintaining power 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 design effectively prevents electrical discharges between solar cells, reduces the weight and cost of the solar cell panel, and provides a safer margin against discharges when an insulating barrier is used, compared to prior art.
Implementation Method 1
solar cell panel which can supply high power to spacecrafts
Implementation Method 2
an insulator on which a plurality of solar cell assembly series are arranged at predetermined gaps
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of solar cell assembly series of a solar cell panel are so arranged that any two adjacent solar cells in the plurality of solar cell assembly series have a potential difference which does not exceed V volts which is a maximum output voltage of the plurality of solar cell assembly series.