Solar Cell Terminal Box Layout for Simple Parallel Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar cell unit connection systems are costly due to the need for special branch cables and complex configurations when connecting multiple units in parallel, leading to increased installation time and potential errors.
Innovation Solution
A simplified terminal box design with two connection terminals and a single cable per electrode, allowing easy parallel connection of solar cell units without the need for special branch cables, reducing the number of components and installation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If special branch cables and complex configurations are used to connect solar cell units in parallel, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cable connection function and terminal connection function into a single integrated terminal box structure. The terminal box directly houses connection terminals that can be connected via simple plug-and-play connectors, eliminating the need for separate branch cables and complex wiring configurations. This merging approach maintains connection reliability while significantly reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal box is designed with universal connection terminals that can accommodate multiple connection configurations (series, parallel, or combination) without requiring different cable types or specialized components. The standardized terminal design allows the same terminal box to be used in various solar cell unit configurations, reducing the need for special branch cables and simplifying the overall connection system.
2Reliability
If special branch cables and complex configurations are used to connect solar cell units, then connection reliability is improved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection terminals are pre-installed and pre-configured within the terminal box during manufacturing, eliminating the need for on-site cable routing, terminal installation, and complex wiring configurations. Installers only need to perform simple connector attachment, which dramatically reduces installation time while maintaining connection reliability through the pre-engineered terminal structure.
Solution Approach 2:
By integrating the terminal connection system directly into the terminal box and eliminating separate branch cables, the patent reduces the number of installation steps. The merged design allows installers to complete connections through simple plug-and-play operations rather than performing multiple separate tasks such as cable routing, terminal attachment, and wiring configuration.
3Device complexity
If simplified terminal box design with single cable per electrode is used, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but connection adaptability may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The simplified terminal box design incorporates universal connection terminals that can accommodate various connection configurations (series, parallel, or combination) through standardized connector interfaces. The terminal structure is designed to handle different wiring arrangements without requiring additional cables or complex internal configurations, maintaining adaptability while keeping the overall structure simple and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal box design allows for flexible connection configurations through movable or reconfigurable terminal arrangements. The connection terminals can be positioned or configured to accommodate different solar cell unit arrangements, enabling the simplified single-cable-per-electrode design to adapt to various installation scenarios without compromising versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal box of an embodiment includes a terminal box main body, a first connection terminal, and a second connection terminal. The terminal box main body is attached to a monolithic-structure solar cell element. The terminal box main body has a connection portion electrically connected to a terminal of the solar cell element. The first connection terminal is electrically connected to the connection portion. The first connection terminal is disposed at a distal end of a cable extending to the outside from the terminal box main body. The second connection terminal is electrically connected to the connection portion. The second connection terminal is formed on an outer surface of the terminal box main body. The second connection terminal is connectable to the first connection terminal.