Vertical Light Soaking Apparatus for PV Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light soaking systems for photovoltaic (PV) modules are inefficient in terms of space usage and energy consumption, and struggle with temperature uniformity, particularly when testing multiple modules simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A vertically oriented light soaking apparatus with an array of lamps, reflectors, and a cooling system that uses air circulation to maintain temperature uniformity and allow for variable light intensity and temperature settings, integrated with electronic test capabilities for automatic sequencing of test conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If free-standing lamp systems are used for light soaking, then the apparatus can be operated in a dedicated room, but the floor space requirement increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal test bed design to vertical test module orientation, utilizing the vertical dimension to reduce floor space occupation. The test module is positioned vertically within the chamber, allowing the apparatus to occupy less horizontal area while maintaining effective light soaking capability.
2Illumination intensity
If lamps illuminate an area larger than the test module to achieve uniform illumination, then illumination uniformity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs reflectors positioned around the test module to concentrate and redirect light specifically onto the module surface. This localized illumination approach ensures uniform light distribution across the test module without requiring excessive illumination area, thereby reducing energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple reflector surfaces to create multiple virtual images of the light source, effectively multiplying the light paths that reach the test module. This allows concentrated illumination on the module area without requiring proportionally larger lamp power.
3Area of stationary object
If chamber-based systems are used for light soaking, then space efficiency is improved, but temperature control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the chamber into distinct functional zones: an illumination zone containing the lamps and reflectors, and a test zone containing the vertically oriented test module. This segmentation allows independent temperature management in each zone, with cooling systems specifically targeted at the test module area to maintain precise temperature control during light soaking.
4Device complexity
If horizontal test bed design is used, then the apparatus structure is simplified, but the floor space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorients the test module from horizontal to vertical positioning within the chamber. This dimensional change allows the apparatus to utilize vertical space rather than horizontal space, significantly reducing the floor space footprint while maintaining the structural integrity and functionality of the light soaking system.
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 minimizes floor space requirements, reduces energy consumption, and achieves uniform temperature control across a wide range, enabling efficient testing of multiple PV modules with improved light intensity and temperature management.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling system to cool the at least one PV module, wherein the cooling system comprises a plurality of cooling fans
Implementation Method 2
an array of lamps disposed on a substantially vertically oriented lamp plane
Implementation Method 3
at least one reflector for directing light to the at least one target plane
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for exposing photovoltaic (PV) modules to simulated sunlight for testing purposes, comprising a chamber including a plurality of lamps disposed on a substantially vertical lamp plane, at least one substantially vertical target plane upon which are disposed one or more PV modules, at least one reflector for directing light from the lamps to the at least one target plane, and a cooling system to exhaust heat from the apparatus and maintain the temperature of the PV modules at a predetermined value.