Overlapping Thin-Film PV Modules for Shaded Panel Upgrades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic panel installations face challenges with aging and shading, leading to reduced efficiency and high costs for replacement or expansion, necessitating a cost-effective method to enhance energy production without altering the panel structure.
Innovation Solution
An additional photovoltaic module with a different band gap width is connected in parallel to existing panels, optimizing voltage and spatial configuration to improve performance and reduce shading effects, using thin-film or structure-controllable technologies like CIGS, Perovskite, or CdTe cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If additional photovoltaic modules are connected in parallel to existing panels, then energy production is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The additional photovoltaic module is positioned in an overlapping manner on or under the existing panel, creating a nested configuration where the new module integrates with the existing structure rather than requiring separate mounting infrastructure. This nesting approach enhances energy production while minimizing additional device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The additional module serves multiple functions: it generates additional electricity, provides spectral complementarity to the existing panel, and can be configured to match the existing panel's voltage characteristics. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single addition.
2Productivity
If photovoltaic panels are replaced with modern tandem cells, then efficiency is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of replacing the entire existing panel with a costly modern tandem cell panel, the solution segments the upgrade into two parts: the existing panel remains in place, and a separate additional module is added. This segmentation allows the system to achieve improved efficiency through spectral complementarity while avoiding the high cost of complete panel replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The additional module uses photovoltaic cells with different band gap widths than the existing panel, changing the spectral response parameter of the overall system. This parameter change enables the system to capture a broader range of the solar spectrum, improving efficiency without requiring replacement of the existing panels.
3Productivity
If panel surface area is increased to meet higher energy demand, then energy production is improved, but installation area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The additional module is positioned in an overlapping manner on or under the existing panel, utilizing the vertical or depth dimension rather than expanding horizontally. This dimensional transition allows the system to increase energy production capacity without increasing the footprint or surface area occupied by the photovoltaic installation.
4Device complexity
If existing panels are used as-is, then device simplicity is maintained, but energy production is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The additional module is designed and configured in advance to match the electrical characteristics (voltage) of the existing panel, ensuring compatibility before connection. This preliminary configuration simplifies the installation process and maintains device simplicity while enabling enhanced energy production through the parallel connection of the pre-configured additional module.
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
Enhances energy production and reduces sensitivity to shading while maintaining the existing panel footprint, offering a cost-effective upgrade without replacing panels, with minimal power loss and improved efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
produce one or more additional modules comprising a second plurality Q of photovoltaic cells of a second type... having a different band gap width than the cells of the existing panel
Data Source
AI summary
A method for optimizing an existing generator system based on photovoltaic cells and provided with an existing photovoltaic panel or a group of existing photovoltaic panels, each panel having a first plurality of cells of a first type interconnected in series or in series/in parallel. The method includes: determining an operating voltage of the panel(s); producing additional panel module(s) having a second plurality of thin-film cells of a second type and having a different band gap width than the cells of the panel(s), the additional module(s) being configured to supply an operating voltage equal, within ±10%, to the voltage of the panel(s); positioning the additional module to overlap on or under the panel or one of the panel(s), the module being connected in parallel to the panel(s), or positioning several additional modules to overlap on or under several panels, the several modules being connected in parallel to panels.