Solar Cell Voltage Controllers for Panel Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Solar panels' performance is adversely affected when individual cells become shaded, dirty, or degraded, leading to reduced output efficiency in both individual panels and larger arrays due to the series connection of cells.

Innovation Solution

Each solar cell is directly coupled to a dedicated voltage controller to form unique pairs, allowing for independent power management, with options for current or voltage source output, and using components like Schottky diodes, single chip regulators, and controller chips for efficient power conversion and regulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If solar cells are connected in series to form panels, then the voltage output is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because a single defective cell reduces the performance of the whole panel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage outputVSAvoidpanel performance

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the solar panel into multiple independent strings, where each string contains a subset of cells connected in series. These strings are then connected in parallel, creating modular units that can operate independently. This segmentation allows the panel to maintain functionality even when individual cells or strings are defective, as other strings can continue to generate power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements different connection configurations for different portions of the panel. Specifically, it creates multiple strings with varying numbers of cells in series, and connects these strings in parallel. This local differentiation allows each string to optimize its voltage output while the parallel connection ensures that the overall panel reliability is improved through redundancy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Power

If multiple parallel strings of panels are used in a solar array, then the overall power output is improved, but the complexity of the system increases due to multiple connection lines and inverters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverall power outputVSAvoidconnection system

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple parallel strings into a single integrated panel structure. By incorporating multiple strings within each panel and connecting them in parallel at the panel level, the invention reduces the need for extensive external wiring and multiple separate inverters, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high power output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the panel structure to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it generates power through multiple parallel strings, provides internal redundancy for reliability, and reduces external connection requirements. This multi-functionality approach allows a single panel to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components and connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11329599B2Method and system for connecting solar cells or slices in a panel system

Publication Date: 2022.05.10 NEWLIGHT CAPITAL LLC

AI summary

A method and system include a plurality of solar cells and a plurality of voltage controllers. Each of the plurality of solar cells is directly coupled to a dedicated one of the plurality of voltage controllers to form unique pairs of solar cells and voltage controllers. Each of a plurality of panels contain a plurality of unique pairs.