Space Solar Cell String Protection Diodes With Replaceable Front Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing designs for space solar cells face challenges in efficiently integrating string protection diodes, leading to complex manufacturing, high weight, and limited repairability due to the integration of these diodes on the front or back of the panel, which complicates replacement and increases the risk of failure under intense solar radiation.

Innovation Solution

The integration of string protection diodes on the front of the solar cell string, connected via a metal strip and connectors, with each diode having its own cover and a reflective surface for heat dissipation, reduces manufacturing complexity and allows for easy replacement without affecting the string, enhancing reliability and reducing weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If string protection diodes are integrated on the front or back of the panel, then the panel structure is completed, but manufacturing complexity increases and repairability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing complexityVSAvoidintegration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the protection diode system into modular units, where each string protection diode is a separate replaceable component connected to the solar cell string through connectors. This segmentation allows independent replacement of defective diodes without replacing the entire panel, thus reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If string protection diodes are integrated on the panel, then protection is provided, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection reliabilityVSAvoidpanel weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs thin-film connectors and flexible connection structures to integrate string protection diodes with the solar cell string. These thin-film connections provide the necessary electrical connection and mechanical support while minimizing additional weight, thus maintaining protection reliability without significantly increasing panel weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If string protection diodes are integrated on the panel, then protection is provided, but replacement of defective parts becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection reliabilityVSAvoidreplacement ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic, reversible connections between string protection diodes and solar cell strings using connectors that can be easily connected and disconnected. This dynamic connection system allows defective diodes to be quickly replaced without permanent integration, thus maintaining protection reliability while significantly improving ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If diodes are connected with metallic connectors and welded, then electrical connection is ensured, but manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates pre-prepared connection structures and standardized metallic connectors that are designed for easy welding and connection. By preparing the connection interfaces in advance with standardized geometries and materials, the welding process becomes more straightforward and less complex, thus ensuring electrical connection reliability while simplifying the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 manufacturing, reduces weight, and increases reliability by allowing easy replacement of defective diodes, while effectively managing heat through reflective surfaces, thus improving the overall performance and durability of space solar cell strings.

Implementation Method 1

each diode having its own cover and a reflective surface for heat dissipation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12382729B2Protection of space solar cells in an arrangement in the form of a string

Publication Date: 2025.08.05 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.