Wireless Power Roofing Panels for Simplified PV Interconnection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing photovoltaic (PV) systems face challenges in efficiently connecting multiple PV units on roofing structures due to the complexity and expense of making numerous electrical connections, which are prone to environmental degradation and quality control issues during installation.

Innovation Solution

A roofing panel system that integrates PV cells with wireless power transfer circuitry, including inductive and capacitive coupling, allowing for the transmission and reception of power between panels and the AC grid, reducing the need for direct electrical connections and simplifying the installation process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired electrical connections are made between PV units during installation, then electrical power transfer is achieved, but installation complexity and time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical wired electrical connections with wireless power transfer technology. The system uses electromagnetic fields to transmit power between PV units without physical contact, eliminating the need for complex wiring during installation while maintaining reliable power transfer. This substitution resolves the contradiction by removing the mechanical connection requirement that caused installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces wireless power transfer technology as an intermediary between PV units. Instead of direct wired connections, power is transferred through electromagnetic fields that act as a medium, enabling power transfer without physical contact. This intermediary approach simplifies installation while ensuring reliable power transfer between units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If numerous wired connections are made during installation, then power transfer between multiple PV units is enabled, but installation time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer capabilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces time-consuming wired connections with wireless power transfer. By using electromagnetic fields instead of physical wiring, the system enables power transfer between multiple PV units without the need for extensive installation work, dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining full productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless power transfer system is pre-integrated into the PV units during manufacturing. This preliminary integration means that during installation, no additional connection work is needed - the units are simply positioned and power transfer begins automatically through the pre-configured wireless system, eliminating installation time for connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If electrical connections are made during installation, then PV units can be connected into an array, but connection quality is difficult to control and verify

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearray formation capabilityVSAvoidconnection quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual wired connections with automated wireless power transfer. Since wireless connections do not require physical contact or manual wiring, there is no human error or variability in connection quality. The electromagnetic field automatically establishes power transfer when units are in proximity, ensuring consistent and verifiable connection quality across the entire PV array.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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 system enables efficient energy capture, transfer, and inversion of PV cell output to the AC grid with improved installation efficiency, reduced material wear, and enhanced system reliability by eliminating direct electrical connections and minimizing environmental exposure.

Implementation Method 1

wireless power transfer circuitry for transmitting power to another roofing panel and/or the AC grid and/or to an AC inverter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

receiving circuitry comprising an inductor and a rectifier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a PV cell coupled to an inverter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9954480B2Photovoltaic systems

Publication Date: 2018.04.24 ZINNIATEK

AI summary

This invention relates to a roofing panel for interconnection with one or more additional roofing panels. The roofing panel comprises a PV cell coupled to an inverter, and wireless (or optionally wired) power transfer circuitry for transmitting power to another roofing panel and/or the AC grid and/or to an AC inverter, and/or for receiving power from another roofing panel.