Thin-Film Solar Module Layout for Flexible Panel Sizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thin-film solar cell submodules are manufactured in a standard size, limiting the design of solar cell modules to integer multiples of this size, making it cumbersome to adapt to various installation locations.
Innovation Solution
A solar cell module design comprising M×N solar cell submodules arranged in a 2D manner, with submodules connected in series and parallel configurations to allow for varied sizes, including adjustments in the Y direction and use of extraction electrodes and light shielding members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If thin-film solar cell submodules are manufactured in a standard size, then manufacturing complexity is reduced and production is simplified, but the ability to design solar cell modules in various sizes is limited to integer multiples of the standard size
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell module is divided into multiple solar cell submodules of standard size, which can be independently arranged and connected in series or parallel configurations. This segmentation allows the system to achieve various total sizes by combining standard units rather than manufacturing custom-sized modules, thus maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enabling design flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dimensional approach by arranging submodules in two-dimensional grids (M rows × N columns) and allowing different configurations in the vertical dimension. By varying the number of rows and columns and enabling different connection topologies, the system achieves multiple size configurations from a single standard submodule design, resolving the contradiction between standardized manufacturing and versatile design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If thin-film solar cell submodules are designed in various sizes to conform to different installation locations, then adaptability to installation locations is improved, but design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single standard-sized solar cell submodule is designed to serve multiple functions and configurations. The same standard submodule can be used in different numbers and arrangements (series or parallel connections) to satisfy various installation requirements. This universal design eliminates the need to create multiple specialized submodule types, thereby reducing design complexity while maintaining high adaptability to different installation locations.
3Power
If solar cell submodules are arranged in series to increase voltage output, then power output is improved, but the number of submodules required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic configuration of submodule connections, allowing the system to switch between series and parallel arrangements or combine both. This dynamic reconfigurability provides flexibility in achieving desired power outputs without being locked into a single connection topology. By optimizing the number of submodules through intelligent arrangement rather than fixed series connections, the system achieves power output goals with fewer components.
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
Enables the design of solar cell modules in various sizes beyond integer multiples of the standard submodule size, simplifying installation and design flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of thin-film solar battery cells that are divided in a first direction and extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction on one base material
Implementation Method 2
an extraction electrode disposed at an end portion in the first direction and extending in the second direction
Data Source
AI summary
A solar cell module comprising M×N solar cell submodules arranged in a two-dimensional manner in M rows and N columns (where M is an integer equal to or greater than 2 and N is an integer equal to or greater than 1). Each of the solar cell submodules includes thin-film solar cells divided in an X direction and extending in a Y direction intersecting the X direction, and connected in series and integrated; and extraction electrodes at X-direction-side ends and extending in the Y direction. In the solar cell submodules in an nth column (where n is an integer of 1-N), the solar cell submodules in the first to Mth rows are connected in parallel, and the Y-direction size of the solar cell submodule in the Mth row is less than the Y-direction size of the solar cell submodules in rows other than the Mth row.