Solar Cell Module Sealing Integration for Durability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Used solar cell modules often have a reduced power generation capacity after reuse, making the relocation cost ineffective due to the deterioration of the protection sheet allowing moisture ingress, which complicates the processing needed to improve durability on the back surface, leading to insufficient prolongation of the usable period.

Innovation Solution

A solar cell module configuration with a plate-like first protection member, second protection member, sealing members, and wiring members is introduced, where the second protection member is integrated with the second sealing member and third sealing member by lamination processing to enhance durability and reduce the number of working man-hours required for repair, thereby prolonging the usable period.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If the protection sheet is replaced or repaired to improve durability, then the usable period is extended, but the processing complexity and working man-hours increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusable periodVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the protection sheet with the sealing members (first sealing member and second sealing member) into an integrated structure. The protection sheet is formed to continuously cover the front and back surfaces of the solar cell element, while the sealing members are integrated at the edges to seal the edges of the solar cell element. This integration eliminates the need for separate replacement of protection sheets and sealing members, reducing processing complexity while extending the usable period through improved durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If the protection sheet is repaired to improve durability, then moisture ingress is prevented, but the number of working man-hours required for repair increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidworking man-hours
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The protection sheet is integrated with the sealing members to form a unified protective structure. The first sealing member seals the edge of the solar cell element on the front surface side, while the second sealing member seals the edge on the back surface side. These sealing members are structurally connected to the protection sheet, creating a continuous protective barrier that prevents moisture ingress without requiring separate repair operations, thus reducing working man-hours while improving durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the sealing structure is enhanced to prevent moisture ingress, then durability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing members are integrated with the protection sheet to form a unified structure. The first sealing member is positioned at the edge of the solar cell element on the front surface side and is structurally connected to the protection sheet. The second sealing member is positioned at the edge on the back surface side and is also connected to the protection sheet. This integration creates an enhanced sealing structure that prevents moisture ingress while avoiding the complexity of separate, independent sealing systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration effectively prolongs the usable period of reused solar cell modules by improving durability and reducing the complexity of the repair process, making the reuse more efficient and cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

at least one solar cell element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

integrated with the second sealing member and third sealing member by lamination processing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLamination: Lamination

Data Source

PatentUS10964831B2Solar cell module and method of manufacturing solar cell module
Publication Date: 2021.03.30 KYOCERA CORP
  • US10964831B2 patent drawing
  • US10964831B2 patent drawing
  • US10964831B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A solar cell module comprises a plate-like first protector having translucency, a second protector, a solar cell element, first to third sealers, and first and second wiring members. The solar cell element is located between the first protector and the second protector. The first sealer covers the solar cell element from a side of the first protector between the first protector and the solar cell element. The second sealer covers the solar cell element from a side of the second protector between the solar cell element and the second protector. The third sealer covers the second sealer from a side of the second protector between the second sealer and the second protector. The first wiring member is electrically connected to the solar cell element and passes through the second sealer. The second wiring member is connected to the first wiring member between the second sealer and the second protector.