Solar Panel Regeneration via Common Reference Potential
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar panel installations face degradation due to various defects such as hot spots, mismatches, snail trails, delamination, back currents, and potential-induced degradation (PID), leading to reduced efficiency and energy output, with existing solutions being either ineffective for existing installations or requiring costly modifications during manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that regenerate defects in solar panels by applying an electrical connection between a voltage supply and the panels, bringing them to a common reference potential, allowing for regeneration of photovoltaic cells and reducing degradation, applicable to various types of solar panels without interrupting daytime operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solar panels are left to operate normally without intervention, then they generate electricity continuously, but defects accumulate and efficiency degrades over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic regeneration cycles where solar panels are temporarily disconnected from the string to apply regeneration voltage. This periodic intervention restores panel efficiency by removing accumulated defects, allowing the system to maintain higher overall productivity without continuous degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs regeneration actions in advance during periods of low demand or nighttime, preparing panels for optimal performance before the next generation cycle. This preliminary maintenance prevents defect accumulation that would otherwise reduce future energy output
2Reliability
If bypass diodes are installed during manufacturing, then hot spots and mismatches are mitigated, but the solution cannot remedy existing defects and requires costly manufacturing modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables solar panels to self-regenerate by applying voltage in reverse polarity or at elevated levels during maintenance windows. This self-service capability allows panels to remedy their own defects without requiring bypass diodes or manufacturing modifications, eliminating both the added manufacturing cost and the inability to fix existing defects
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes electrical parameters (voltage polarity or magnitude) applied to the panels during regeneration cycles. By temporarily altering these parameters outside normal operation, the panels can correct existing defects without requiring physical modifications like bypass diodes during manufacturing
3Reliability
If regeneration voltage is applied continuously, then defects are regenerated effectively, but daytime energy generation is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent schedules regeneration operations during nighttime or periods of low solar irradiance when panels would otherwise produce minimal energy. This periodic timing allows effective defect regeneration without significantly impacting daytime energy generation, as panels are restored to optimal performance for the next day's production
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by performing regeneration during non-productive periods (nighttime) and immediately restoring panels to full productivity during daytime. This approach ensures that maintenance activities do not create extended downtime, as panels are quickly returned to energy generation after brief nighttime regeneration
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 method effectively regenerates defective photovoltaic cells, increasing energy output and providing a permanent solution for reducing solar panel degradation, applicable to existing installations with minimal human intervention and no production cost increases.
Implementation Method 1
applying an electrical connection between a voltage supply and the panels, bringing them to a common reference potential
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a method for detecting, regenerating and/or preventing defects in solar panels of a solar panel installation. In this method, a regeneration voltage is applied between the supporting structure in which the solar panels are mounted, and the negative pole of the solar panels, the positive pole of the solar panels, or both poles of the solar panels, being short-circuited. Additionally, the invention also provides an apparatus for performing said method, and a solar panel installation comprising said apparatus.