Solar Cell Module Error Detection via Translucent Distribution Box

Solution Overview

Problem

Solar cell modules lack the ability to autonomously recognize their operating state after installation, making efficient management difficult.

Innovation Solution

A solar cell module with a distribution box on its rear surface, including wiring connected to the module and a light source that emits light through the module if an error signal is detected, along with an error detector using an optical sensor to convert this light into an electrical signal and a controller to display error signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a separate communication unit is used to confirm the operating state of the solar cell module, then the operating state can be monitored, but the solar cell module cannot autonomously recognize its own operating state

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous error recognitionVSAvoidmodule structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The solar cell module monitors its own operating state through integrated error detection circuits and light-emitting indicators within the distribution box, eliminating the need for separate external monitoring equipment. The module serves itself by detecting errors internally and displaying them visually through LEDs that can be seen from the front surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The error detection and display functions are merged into the distribution box structure. The distribution box simultaneously houses wiring connections, error detection circuits, and light-emitting indicators, combining multiple functions into a single integrated component rather than using separate units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Strength

If the distribution box is made opaque for structural integrity, then the box provides good protection, but light from the error indicator cannot pass through to the front surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistribution box integrityVSAvoidlight transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution box is designed with different optical properties in different regions: most of the box remains opaque for structural integrity and protection, while a specific local region (the light transmitting area) is made transparent or translucent to allow error indicator light to pass through to the front surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

A light transmitting area acts as an intermediary between the error indicator light source inside the distribution box and the front surface where it needs to be visible. This intermediary region selectively transmits light while the rest of the box maintains its protective opaque structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If a light transmitting area is created in the distribution box for error indication, then error visibility is improved, but the structural protection of the distribution box is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveerror state visibilityVSAvoidprotection from environmental factors

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution box is designed with different optical properties in different regions: most of the box remains opaque for structural integrity and protection, while a specific local region (the light transmitting area) is made transparent or translucent to allow error indicator light to pass through to the front surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

A light transmitting area acts as an intermediary between the error indicator light source inside the distribution box and the front surface where it needs to be visible. This intermediary region selectively transmits light while the rest of the box maintains its protective opaque structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables the solar cell module to autonomously recognize errors and display them visually or through an error detector, facilitating easier management and maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

an optical sensor configured to detect an optical signal of the light source at the front surface of the solar cell panel and then to convert the optical signal into an electrical signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3136595B1Solar cell module and error detector for solar cell modules

Publication Date: 2020.10.14 LG ELECTRONICS INC

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AI summary

Disclosed herein is a solar cell module. The solar cell module includes a solar cell panel, a distribution box located on the rear surface of the solar cell panel and including wiring connected to the solar cell panel, and a light source configured to emit light to the front surface of the solar cell panel through the solar cell panel, if an error signal is detected.