APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR CONNECTING MULTIPLE PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES
In some embodiments, an apparatus for electrically connecting a plurality of photovoltaic modules in a solar panel includes a first electrically conductive line engageable with and capable of electrically connecting a plurality of first output contacts of the photovoltaic modules along a common axis.
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This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/982,612, filed Nov. 2, 2007, entitled “Apparatus and Methods for Connection Multiple Photovoltaic Modules”, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. Nos. 60/859,213, 60/859,212, 60/859,188, 60/859,033, 601859,215, 60/861,162, 60/901,517, and incorporates all the preceding applications by reference herein in their entireties.
BACKGROUNDThis disclosure relates to photovoltaic energy absorption/collection technology. In some embodiments, this disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for electrically connecting two or more photovoltaic modules in a solar panel.
Various known photovoltaic energy absorption/collection devices, such as solar panels, include an array of essentially flat photovoltaic modules arranged side-by-side and placed in a box-like housing. Typically, the modules are coated with a clear, thermoset elastomer and the housing is sealed with a clear faceplate. The modules are thus typically rendered immobile within a “sandwich” of materials in large flat panels.
The photovoltaic modules are often electrically connected together by a series connection that weaves amongst the modules lying in the housing. In some instances, such arrangement may have disadvantages. For example, every turn and span of the connection configuration could be subject to breakage or separation. For another example, due to the sandwich-like configuration, when a module or connection fails, it is difficult or impossible to replace the module or repair the connection buried in the panel.
It should be understood, however, that the above-described examples, features and/or disadvantages are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope or subject matter of this patent, any other patent claiming priority hereto or any claim thereof. Thus, none of the appended claims, or claims of any related patent application or patent, should be limited by the above discussion or construed to address, include or exclude the above-cited examples, features and/or disadvantages, except and only to the extent as may be expressly stated in a particular claim. Further, the above exemplary disadvantages should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine if they may exist.
BRIEF SUMMARYIn some embodiments, the present disclosure involves an apparatus for electrically connecting a plurality of photovoltaic modules located within a solar panel. Each photovoltaic module includes a first output contact that extends at least partially on a first common axis. A first electrically conductive line is engageable with and capable of electrically connecting the first output contacts of the photovoltaic modules along the first common axis.
Various embodiments of the present disclosure involve an apparatus for electrically connecting a plurality of photovoltaic modules disposed within a solar panel. The solar panel includes a frame having first and second opposing side rails and first and second opposing end rails. A first electrically conductive line extends at least partially through, and electrically connects together the plurality of photovoltaic modules within, at least one among the first and second opposing side rails and the first and second opposing end rails of the frame.
There are embodiments of the present disclosure that involve an apparatus capable of electrically connecting a plurality of elongated photovoltaic modules disposed in generally spaced parallel relationship with one another within a solar energy absorption device. Each of the elongated photovoltaic modules includes an anode output contact that extends at least partially on a first common axis and a cathode output contact that extends at least partially on a second common axis. A first electrically conductive line is engageable with and capable of electrically connecting together the cathode output contacts along the first common axis. A second electrically conductive line is engageable with and capable of electrically connecting together the anode output contacts along the second common axis.
Accordingly, the present disclosure includes features and advantages which are believed to enable it to advance solar energy absorption or collection technology. Characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure described above and additional features and benefits will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description and referring to the accompanying drawings.
The following figures are part of the present specification, included to demonstrate certain aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure and referenced in the detailed description herein.
Characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure and additional features and benefits will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description and referring to the accompanying figures. It should be understood that the description herein and appended drawings are of various exemplary embodiments and are not intended to limit the appended claims or the claims of any patent or patent application claiming priority to this application. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the claims. Many changes may be made to the particular embodiments and details disclosed herein without departing from such spirit and scope.
In the description below and appended figures, common or similar features are indicated by like or identical reference numerals or, in the absence of a reference numeral, are evident based upon the appended figures and/or description herein. The figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic in the interest of clarity and conciseness. It should also be noted that reference herein and in the appended claims to components and aspects in a singular tense does not necessarily limit the present disclosure to only one such component or aspect, but should be interpreted generally to mean one or more, as may be suitable and desirable in each particular instance.
Referring initially to
In this example, the modules 16 have a generally cylindrical overall shape with a generally circular cross-sectional shape to capture light from any direction. However, the modules 16 may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as square, rectangular, elliptical, polygonal, or have a varying cross-sectional shape, as well as desired overall shape and configuration. For example, the modules 16 may have a cylindric-like shape, bifacial or omnifacial configuration or be otherwise designed to capture light on planes both facing and not facing the initial light source. An example omnifacial topology of a module 16 may include a bifacial configuration where both its top and bottom planes accept light and produce electric power in response to that light. Another example omnifacial topology may collect reflected light on the back and/or sides of the module 16 and light striking the module 16 from any direction other than the planar orientation of the frame 20.
The modules 16 may have any suitable construction. Each module 16 of this example includes a monolithic substrate having a plurality of solar cells (not shown) disposed or manufactured on it. In other embodiments, the module 16 may include a monolithic substrate having one solar cell disposed on it. In yet other embodiments, the module 16 may include a plurality of solar cells each made on their own individual substrates and linked together electrically.
The solar panel 12 may have any other desired components and configuration. In the example shown, the solar panel 12 includes a frame 20 having a pair of opposing first and second side rails 24, 26 interconnected with a pair of opposing first and second end rails 32, 34. The illustrated rails 24, 26, 32, 34 are each substantially straight, but, if desired, may not be straight. In this example, the rails are connected together with corner brackets 30 and the end rails 32, 34 each have a concave portion, or groove, 33. The illustrated frame 20 may employ one or more reflective or increased-albedo surface or capability, such as a backplate 37 having a reflective surface 38 located behind the modules 16, to reflect and thus redirect light back to the modules 16.
The photovoltaic modules 16 may be arranged in any desired manner and configuration. In the example shown, over three dozen photovoltaic modules 16 are secured in generally spaced parallel relationship with one another within the frame 20. However, any number of modules 16 may be contained within the exemplary solar panel 20. The illustrated modules 16 generally run perpendicular to, and extend between, the end rails 32, 34. The modules 16 are engaged in, or affixed to, the rails 32, 34 so that they are not movable relative to the frame 20 or one another. Alternately, one or more modules 16 may be movable. For example, the modules 16 may be engaged in, or affixed to, the rails 32, 34 so that they may be individually or collectively swiveled or tilted at angles relative to the frame 20, such as to track the movement of the sun.
The exemplary modules 16 are spaced apart and positioned depth-wise in the frame 20 so that light is capable of passing through spaces formed between the modules 16 and the modules 16 can absorb light from the direction the light emanates or reflects. For example, the modules 16 may be capable of absorbing light passing through spaces between the modules 16 and reflected back from the backplate 37. Modules 16 having a cylindrical or cylindric-like shape, or bifacial or omnifacial configuration or otherwise enabled to capture the light on a plane not facing the initial light source, may absorb light emanating or reflecting from any direction and use it to generate electrical energy.
Referring specifically to
It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to any of the above details. For one example, each photovoltaic module 16 may include a single output contact or more than two output contacts at any desired location (e.g. intermediate to its ends). For another example, as previously mentioned, the photovoltaic modules 16 need not be mounted in a frame, nor be capable of having an omnifacial topology (e.g. capable of absorbing light from more than one direction). Moreover, all of the above-referenced components are not required for the present disclosure, the appended claims or the claims of any patent application or patent claiming priority hereto.
Now in accordance with the present disclosure, referring to the example of
The electrically conductive line (ECL) 60 may have any suitable construction, and may electrically connect at least two photovoltaic modules 16 in any desired manner. For example, the ECL 60 may be a flexible or rigid metal wire or strip, or a series thereof, soldered to at least two output contacts 42. In the embodiment of
Referring now to
When included, the connectors 70 may have any suitable form and construction, and may electrically engage the ECL 60 and photovoltaic module(s) 16 in any suitable manner. For example, the ECL 60 and connectors 70 may be formed integrally in a single unit or connected by weld, solder or snapping engagement. In the embodiment shown, the illustrated row of connectors 70 are leaf members 74 having leaves 76 (e.g.
The connectors 70 may be disposed within the solar panel 12 in any desired manner. For example, a row of connectors 70 may be integrally formed with the corresponding end rail 32, 34 as a single unitary body (not shown). For another example, a row of connectors 70 may be integrally formed in a unitary body (not shown) that is engaged with or embedded into the end rail 32, 34. In the embodiment of
The socket strip 92 may have any suitable form, construction and configuration. In the embodiment of
The socket strip 92, when included, may be engaged with the solar panel 12 in any desired manner. For example, a socket strip 92 constructed at least partially of rubber or foam may be glued inside the associated end rail 32, 34. For other examples, the socket strip 92 may be press-fit, snapped or slid into the associated end rail 32, 34.
If desired, one or more mechanism may be associated with the socket strip 92, connectors 70, modules 16, rails 24, 26, 32, 34, or any combination thereof to allow the modules 16 to be moveable. For example, components may be included to automatically swivel or tilt the modules 16 to vary their angular orientation, such as to track the movement of the sun. However, the modules 16 may be configured in any position or angular relationship relative to the rails 24, 26, 32, 42, as long as they are electrically connected within, or to, at least one rail.
It should be noted that the details of construction and operation of the first ECL 64 of this embodiment as described above and shown in
The electrical energy, or voltage, from the modules 16 may be communicated by the electrically conductive line(s) 60 from the solar panel 12 in any desired manner. In the embodiment of
Accordingly, apparatuses and methods useful for electrically connecting two or more photovoltaic modules in a solar panel are described. These apparatuses and methods have one or more of the following attributes, capabilities or features: an electrical connection of at least two elongated photovoltaic modules of a solar panel along a common axis; an electrical connection of at least two elongated photovoltaic modules of a solar panel in a generally straight path; a bus-type connection that connects all the anode contacts of elongated photovoltaic modules in a common line; a bus-type connection that connects all the cathode contacts of elongated photovoltaic modules in a common line; a first bus-type connection that connects all the anode contacts of the photovoltaic modules in a common line and a second bus-type connection that connects all the cathode contacts of the photovoltaic modules in a common line; electrically connects photovoltaic modules within one or more structural member of the solar panel; electrically connects photovoltaic modules within one or more rail of the solar panel; electrically connects the photovoltaic modules in parallel within the end rails of the solar panel; electrically connects elongated photovoltaic modules; electrically connects photovoltaic modules capable of absorbing solar energy from any direction; electrically connects photovoltaic modules capable of absorbing solar energy from more than one planar direction; electrically connects all photovoltaic modules of a solar panel with one or more electrically conductive line of minimal length; is reliable and easy to manufacture and utilize.
Embodiments of the present disclosure thus offer advantages over the prior art and are well adapted to carry out one or more of the objects of the disclosure. However, each of the appended claims do not require each of the components and acts described above and is in no way limited to the above-described embodiments and methods of assembly and operation. Any one or more of the above components, features and processes may be employed in any suitable configuration without inclusion of other such components, features and processes. Moreover, the present disclosure includes additional features, capabilities, functions, methods, uses and applications that have not been specifically addressed herein but are, or will become, apparent from the description herein, the appended drawings and claims.
The methods described above and which may be claimed herein and any other methods which may fall within the scope of the appended claims can be performed in any desired suitable order and are not necessarily limited to the sequence described herein or as may be listed in any appended claims. Further, the methods of the present disclosure do not necessarily require use of the particular embodiments shown and described in the present application, but are equally applicable with any other suitable structure, form and configuration of components.
While embodiments have been shown and described, many variations, modifications and/or changes of the system, apparatus and methods herein, such as in the components, details of construction and operation, arrangement of parts and/or methods of use, are possible, contemplated by the patent applicant(s), within the scope of the appended claims, and may be made and used by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit or teachings of this disclosure and scope of appended claims. Thus, all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative, and the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims should not be limited to the embodiments described and shown herein.
Claims
1. An apparatus for electrically connecting a plurality of photovoltaic modules disposed within a solar panel, the solar panel including a frame that includes first and second opposing side rails and first and second opposing end rails, the apparatus comprising:
- at least one of the photovoltaic modules including a plurality of solar cells that share a common substrate; and
- a first electrically conductive line extending at least partially through, and electrically connecting together the plurality of photovoltaic modules within, at least one among the first and second opposing side rails and the first and second opposing end rails of the frame.
2. An apparatus for electrically connecting a plurality of photovoltaic modules disposed within a solar panel, the solar panel including a frame that includes first and second opposing side rails and first and second opposing end rails, the apparatus comprising:
- the plurality of photovoltaic modules being disposed within the solar panel in a manner that prohibits rotational movement of the plurality of photovoltaic modules relative to the solar panel;
- at least one of the photovoltaic modules including a plurality of solar cells that share a common substrate; and
- a first electrically conductive line extending at least partially through, and electrically connecting together the plurality of photovoltaic modules within, at least one among the first and second opposing side rails and the first and second opposing end rails of the frame.
3. An apparatus for electrically connecting a plurality of photovoltaic modules disposed within a solar panel, the solar panel including a frame that includes first and second opposing side rails and first and second opposing end rails, the apparatus comprising:
- at least one of the photovoltaic modules including a plurality of solar cells that share a common substrate;
- the plurality of photovoltaic modules being configured to accept light from more than one planar direction and produce electric power from light received from more than one planar direction; and
- a first electrically conductive line extending at least partially through, and electrically connecting together the plurality of photovoltaic modules within, at least one among the first and second opposing side rails and the first and second opposing end rails of the frame.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 28, 2011
Publication Date: Jul 14, 2011
Applicant: SOLYNDRA, INC. (Fremont, CA)
Inventors: Benyamin Buller (Cupertino, CA), Tim Leong (Danville, CA)
Application Number: 13/072,991