Wireless Power Transfer Roofing PV Modules for Weatherproof Connections

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing photovoltaic (PV) systems face challenges in weather resistance and efficient electrical connection during installation, particularly when multiple PV units need to be connected quickly, leading to potential environmental degradation and quality control issues.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of wireless power transfer technology, specifically capacitive or inductive coupling, allows for the connection of PV units without direct physical contact, using transmitter and receiver components with nanoscopic or microscopic surface texturing to enhance efficiency and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired electrical connections are made between PV units during installation, then electrical output can be transferred, but the connections are subject to weathering and environmental degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidweathering exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless power transfer system using electromagnetic fields. Transmitter and receiver coils enable electrical output transfer without physical contacts, eliminating the mechanical connection points that would otherwise be exposed to weathering and environmental degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium to transfer electrical output between PV units. Instead of direct wired connections, the electrical energy is transmitted through electromagnetic coupling between transmitter and receiver components, acting as a non-contact mediator that avoids environmental exposure issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If numerous wired connections are made quickly during installation, then installation speed increases, but connection quality control becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidconnection quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless power transfer system eliminates the need for manual wired connections during installation. The transmitter and receiver components are pre-integrated into the PV units, and electrical output is transferred automatically through electromagnetic coupling when units are positioned near each other, ensuring consistent connection quality without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The PV units perform self-connection through wireless electromagnetic coupling. When installed in proximity, the transmitter in one unit automatically couples with the receiver in the adjacent unit, enabling self-configuring electrical connections without requiring manual wiring or quality inspection during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If wireless power transfer is implemented, then protection from weathering is improved, but device complexity increases due to transmitter and receiver components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweathering resistanceVSAvoidconnection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmitter and receiver components are integrated into the PV unit structure itself, serving dual functions: generating electrical output and enabling wireless power transfer. This multi-functionality approach reduces overall system complexity by combining power generation and wireless transmission capabilities within the same components rather than adding separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 method ensures reliable and efficient electrical output by reducing the need for direct connections, protecting components from weathering, and allowing for easier installation while maintaining high power transfer efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the wireless power transfer is via capacitive coupling whereby the wireless power transfer transmitter forms a capacitor with a wireless power transfer receiver coupled to (or for coupling to) the load and/or output conductor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

the capacitor plate has surface texturing. Preferably the surface texturing is nanoscopic and/or microscopic surface texturing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface texturing effect:

Data Source

PatentEP2786424B1Photovoltaic systems

Publication Date: 2019.07.31 ZINNIATEK

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

This invention relates to a photovoltaic (PV) unit adapted to provide wireless power transfer output comprising one or more photovoltaic cells that generate electrical output, and at least one wireless power transfer transmitter coupled to transfer the electrical output via wireless power transfer. Such a PV unit can be provided in combination with a roofing, cladding or siding module. Such a module comprises an underlapping region and an exposed region of an adjacent module when installed on a building surface; and an outer surface and an under surface, wherein the under surface of the underlapping region is profiled to define a pathway for air flow between the module and the building surface.