Programmable Solar Cell Interconnect Routing for Partial Shading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar power systems lack the ability to monitor and reconfigure individual solar cells, leading to inefficiencies and reduced performance due to partial shading or degradation, which affects the entire solar module string.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive solar cell system with programmable interconnects on a back sheet allows for individual monitoring and reconfiguration of solar cells, enabling bypassing of underperforming cells and rerouting energy to maintain optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional solar modules are used with series connection, then the system structure is simple, but the performance degrades when partial covering occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The solar module is segmented into multiple independently controllable groups of solar cells. Each group can be individually monitored and reconfigured through programmable interconnects, allowing partial shading to affect only specific segments rather than the entire module. This segmentation enables adaptive reconfiguration to maintain overall performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic reconfiguration capabilities through programmable interconnects that can change connection patterns in real-time based on shading conditions. The solar cell groups can be dynamically switched between series and parallel connections, or bypassed entirely, allowing the system to adapt its structure to maximize energy harvest under varying shading conditions.
2Measurement precision
If solar modules are monitored at module level, then the monitoring system is simple, but reconfiguration cannot address individual cell degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented to provide individual cell-level monitoring through the programmable interconnect structure. Each solar cell group has dedicated monitoring capabilities, enabling precise identification of degraded or shaded cells without requiring a completely separate complex monitoring infrastructure for each cell.
Solution Approach 2:
The programmable interconnect structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connection for power generation, enables reconfiguration for shading mitigation, and facilitates monitoring at the cell level. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated monitoring systems for each cell.
3Reliability
If DC-DC converters are used for reconfiguration, then each solar module can operate independently, but the system complexity increases with external boxes
Solution Approach 1:
The reconfiguration functionality is merged directly into the solar module structure through programmable interconnects integrated at the cell level. This eliminates the need for separate external DC-DC converters and control boxes, as the interconnect structure itself provides the reconfiguration capability while maintaining independent module operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The programmable interconnect acts as an intermediary element that enables independent operation of solar cell groups without requiring external converters. The interconnect structure mediates between the solar cells and the output, providing both electrical connection and reconfiguration functionality in a single integrated component.
Data Source
AI summary
A solar power system may comprise a back sheet that comprises an interconnect circuit coupling a plurality of cell tiles. A tiled solar cell, comprising a solar cell and encapsulating and glass layers, is inserted into the cell tiles of the back sheet. Each solar cell is individually addressable through the use of the interconnect circuit. Moreover, the interconnect circuit of the back sheet is programmable and allows for dynamic interconnect routing between solar cells.