Space Solar Cell String Protection Diode Layout for Heat Dissipation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing designs for space solar cells face challenges in repair and maintenance due to the integration of string protection diodes, which are complex, heavy, and inefficient in heat management, leading to potential failures and high manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

An arrangement is introduced where string protection diodes are integrated on the front of the string, connected via metallic connectors and metal strips, with their own cover glass, allowing for easier replacement and improved heat dissipation through a reflective surface, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If string protection diodes are integrated on the back of the panel using flexible cables, then electrical protection is provided, but the device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against reverse currentsVSAvoidcable harness and connector arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The string protection diodes are integrated directly into the front of the solar cell string, merging the protection function with the existing string structure. This eliminates the need for separate cable harnesses and connectors on the back of the panel, reducing device complexity while maintaining protection functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The protection diodes are relocated from the back of the panel to the front of the string, changing the spatial dimension of integration. This allows the diodes to be connected directly to the solar cells at their location, eliminating the need for long flexible cables and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Temperature

If conventional cooling methods are used for string protection diodes, then heat dissipation is limited, but the weight and complexity of the cooling system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipation of protection diodesVSAvoidcooling system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The string protection diodes utilize the natural cooling effect of incident sunlight, which cools the diodes through the cover glass. This self-service cooling mechanism eliminates the need for additional active cooling systems, reducing weight and complexity while effectively managing heat dissipation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The incident sunlight, which could potentially overheat the diodes, is converted into a beneficial cooling effect. The sunlight passes through the cover glass and cools the protection diodes, transforming a potential harmful thermal effect into a useful cooling mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple separate cover glasses are used for each space solar cell and bypass diode, then protection against cosmic radiation is provided, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against UV light and cosmic radiationVSAvoidassembly of multiple cover glasses

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cover glass for the space solar cell and the cover glass for the string protection diode are merged into a single common cover glass. This eliminates the need for separate cover glasses and their associated adhesive applications, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining radiation protection for both components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This arrangement simplifies the connection process, reduces manufacturing costs, enhances reliability, and effectively manages heat, minimizing the risk of failures and improving the overall efficiency of space solar cell strings.

Implementation Method 1

improved heat dissipation through a reflective surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

improved heat dissipation through a reflective surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20250351586A1Protection of space solar cells in an arrangement in the form of a string

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 AZUR SPACE SOLAR POWER

AI summary

Protection of space solar cells in an arrangement in the form of a string extending in an X direction, and two directly adjacent space solar cells in the X direction in each case are electrically connected to each other in series with the aid of a metallic connector. The string has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and a protection arrangement formed along a Y direction is formed on one of the two ends. The protection arrangement has a first string protection diode formed in the Y direction and a metal strip and a second string protection diode. The protection arrangement is electrically connected to one of the two ends of the string and each string protection diode is uncased and has exactly one metal contact on the upper side and exactly one metal contact on the underside.