Solar Module Support Switching Circuit Bypass
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Solar cell modules in serial connection are prone to failure, requiring costly and wasteful replacement of entire modules when one cell is damaged, as removing and replacing cells can damage adjacent cells and the back sheet.
Innovation Solution
A solar module support with a switching circuit comprising L-shaped wire segments, resilient members, and bridging wire segments allows for bypassing a defective solar cell module, maintaining serial connection and enabling easy replacement without damaging adjacent cells, using a substrate with embedded sockets and plugs for secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If solar cells are connected in serial to achieve high voltage and current requirements, then the power generation capability is improved, but the system reliability deteriorates because one defective cell causes the entire string to fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the solar cell array into modular units with independent switching circuits for each cell or small group of cells. This segmentation allows individual cells to be switched out of the circuit without affecting the operation of other cells, thereby maintaining system reliability while preserving the high voltage benefit of series connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic switching capability that allows the system to adapt its configuration in real-time. When a cell becomes defective, the switching circuit dynamically reconfigures the series string to bypass the defective cell, maintaining operational reliability while preserving power generation capability from the remaining functional cells.
2Ease of repair
If a defective solar cell is replaced by removing the front sheet and back sheet, then the defective cell can be replaced, but the complexity of repair increases and adjacent cells may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates switching circuits and connection mechanisms in advance during manufacturing, so that when a cell becomes defective, the repair process can simply involve switching operations rather than disassembling the entire module. This preliminary preparation dramatically simplifies repair procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the switching and bypass functionality from the complex mechanical disassembly process. By integrating electronic switching circuits that can isolate and bypass defective cells through electrical connections, the repair process is reduced to simple switching operations without requiring removal of front sheets, back sheets, or encapsulant materials.
3Reliability
If the entire solar cell module is replaced when one cell is damaged, then the serial connection functionality is restored, but material waste increases and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the defective cell from the series string using integrated switching circuits, rather than replacing the entire module. This allows the functional cells and surrounding materials (front sheet, back sheet, encapsulant) to be preserved and reused, significantly reducing material waste while restoring serial connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables recovery and continued use of functional solar cells and module materials by isolating only the defective cell through switching circuits. The functional cells remain in service, and the module structure is preserved, eliminating the need to discard and replace entire modules and reducing material waste.
4Ease of repair
If high expenditure is incurred for cell replacement procedures, then defective cells can be replaced, but the cost-effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates switching circuits and bypass mechanisms during initial manufacturing, so that future repairs require only simple switching operations rather than expensive and complex replacement procedures. This preliminary investment in switching infrastructure dramatically reduces future repair costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the expensive and complex mechanical replacement process by implementing electronic switching circuits that can isolate and bypass defective cells through simple electrical operations. This eliminates the need for costly disassembly, replacement, and reassembly procedures, significantly improving cost-effectiveness.
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 cost-effective replacement of defective solar cell modules by allowing serial connection maintenance without new cells, reducing waste and damage to adjacent cells, and allowing customizable module arrangements.
Implementation Method 1
two resilient members and a bridging wire segment; and when the first solar cell module is engaged with the first solar module socket, the resilient members are pressed down so that the L-shaped wire segments are separated from the bridging wire segment
Implementation Method 2
when the first solar cell module detaches from the first solar module socket, the resilient members return to their original respective positions so that the L-shaped wire segments connect to the bridging wire segment
Implementation Method 3
solar cells, also referred to as 'photovoltaic cells,' are well known devices for converting solar radiation to electrical energy
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A solar module support (100) for supporting serially connected solar cell modules includes at least one switching circuit (12, 14). When a solar cell module (20) is plugged in a solar module socket (16, 18) of the solar module support (100), the switching circuit (12, 14) is turned off. When the solar cell module (20) is pulled out from the solar module socket (16, 18), the switching circuit (12, 14) is turned on. Current originally flowing through the solar cell module (20) can flow through the switching circuit (12, 14) when the solar cell module (20) is detached from the solar module support (100) , enabling current to still be supplied to the other solar cell modules plugged into the solar module support (100).