Solar Cell String Electroluminescence Inspection With Controlled Gripping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection methods for solar cell strings manufactured in the tabbing process are inadequate in detecting defects, particularly during the electroluminescence inspection, which is crucial for ensuring the quality and efficiency of solar cell modules.
Innovation Solution
An inspection apparatus comprising grip units, power supply, and detection units that securely hold and supply current to the solar cell string, enabling the capture of electroluminescence images to assess defects through brightness distribution analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual inspection or EL inspection is performed manually, then inspection can be conducted, but detection precision and reliability are insufficient for identifying defects in solar cell strings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and manual EL inspection with an automated inspection apparatus that uses a camera to capture electroluminescence images and automatically analyzes them to detect defects such as cracks and improper connections in solar cell strings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an electroluminescence image copy of the solar cell string by capturing light emitted during EL inspection, then analyzes this image copy to detect defects, replacing direct manual observation with automated image analysis
2Power
If multiple solar cells are connected in series to increase voltage, then photovoltaic power generation capability is improved, but the complexity of electrical connections and potential defect points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection apparatus is designed to handle solar cell strings with multiple cells connected in series, providing a universal inspection solution that can detect defects in the tabbing process regardless of the number of cells or wire configurations
3Reliability
If grip units securely hold the solar cell string for inspection, then measurement reliability is improved, but the applied pressure may cause deformation or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The grip units are designed to apply controlled pressure with pressing protrusions that make localized contact with the wire, holding the solar cell string firmly enough for reliable inspection while minimizing the risk of deformation or damage through optimized pressure distribution
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 apparatus effectively identifies defects in solar cell strings by analyzing electroluminescence images, ensuring high-quality production of solar cell modules by detecting cracks and improper connections.
Implementation Method 1
the quality of the solar cells may be measured by inspecting the electroluminescence image of the solar cells generated by applying an electric field to the solar cells
Data Source
AI summary
An inspection apparatus includes a first grip unit on which a solar cell string having a solar cell and a wire is mounted, a second grip unit that is disposed to face the first grip unit and presses the solar cell string toward the first grip unit, a power supply unit that is connected to the second grip unit and supplies a current to the solar cell string, and a detection unit that acquires image information on the solar cell string.