CN211507664U - Apparatus for manufacturing a photovoltaic arrangement - Google Patents
Apparatus for manufacturing a photovoltaic arrangement Download PDFInfo
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- CN211507664U CN211507664U CN201921919467.0U CN201921919467U CN211507664U CN 211507664 U CN211507664 U CN 211507664U CN 201921919467 U CN201921919467 U CN 201921919467U CN 211507664 U CN211507664 U CN 211507664U
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Abstract
An apparatus (100) for manufacturing a photovoltaic arrangement comprising an electrically conductive tab element (30) and a plurality of overlapping solar cells; and an apparatus (100) for manufacturing a photovoltaic arrangement. An apparatus for manufacturing a photovoltaic arrangement comprising an assembly module (300) comprising a conductive tab element (30) and a plurality of overlapping solar cell sheets. The assembly module is configured for assembling a partial photovoltaic arrangement comprising a first solar cell sheet (10a) and an electrically conductive tab element. The assembly of the partial photovoltaic arrangement includes providing the first solar cell sheet and the conductive tab element in an overlapping configuration. The assembly module is configured for providing the second solar cell sheet (10b) in an overlapping configuration with a part of the photovoltaic arranged solar cell sheets. The solar cell sheet of the partial photovoltaic arrangement may be a first solar cell sheet or a third solar cell sheet (10 c). Providing the second solar cell sheet in an overlapping configuration with a portion of the photovoltaic arranged solar cell sheets is performed after providing the first solar cell sheet and the conductive tab element in an overlapping configuration.
Description
Technical Field
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a photovoltaic arrangement, or shingled photovoltaic arrangement, comprising a plurality of overlapping solar cells. More particularly, embodiments described herein relate to apparatus and methods for manufacturing a photovoltaic arrangement comprising an electrically conductive tab element and a plurality of overlapping solar cell sheets.
Background
Solar cells are photovoltaic arrangements that convert sunlight directly into electricity. The efficiency of a solar cell may be affected by the active area on the front surface of the solar cell exposed to light for converting sunlight into electricity. The active area may be reduced due to the presence of electrical contacts (e.g., fingers and/or bus bars) on the front surface of the solar cell. The presence of electrical contacts on the front surface of the solar cell may thereby reduce the module power of a solar cell module comprising the solar cell.
The shingled photovoltaic arrangement can increase the output power of the solar module. The increase in output power may be affected by the quality of the manufacturing process, such as the quality of the elements used to assemble the shingled photovoltaic arrangement. Furthermore, proper assembly of the shingled photovoltaic arrangement can be cumbersome, and throughput and/or yield can be low.
In view of the above, new methods and apparatus for processing solar cells for the manufacture of a shingled photovoltaic arrangement that overcome at least some of the problems in the art are beneficial. The present disclosure is particularly directed to improving the manufacturing process of photovoltaic arrangements, such as shingled photovoltaic arrangements.
SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL
According to an embodiment, an apparatus for manufacturing a photovoltaic arrangement is provided. The photovoltaic arrangement includes a plurality of overlapping solar cells and an electrically conductive tab element. The apparatus includes an assembly module. The assembly module is configured for assembling a partial photovoltaic arrangement comprising a first solar cell sheet and an electrically conductive tab element. The assembly of the partial photovoltaic arrangement includes providing the first solar cell sheet and the conductive tab element in an overlapping configuration. The assembly module is configured to provide the second solar cell sheet with a portion of the photovoltaic arranged solar cell sheets in an overlapping configuration. The solar cell sheet of the partial photovoltaic arrangement may be the first solar cell sheet or the third solar cell sheet. Providing the second solar cell sheet in an overlapping configuration with a portion of the photovoltaic arranged solar cell sheets is performed after providing the first solar cell sheet and the conductive tab element in an overlapping configuration.
According to a further embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a first support surface and the assembly module comprises one or more positioning devices configured to place the conductive tab element and the first solar cell sheet on the first support surface.
According to a further embodiment, the one or more positioning devices are configured to place the conductive tab element on the first support surface and thereafter place the first solar cell sheet on the first support surface.
According to a further embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a transport unit defining a transport direction, the first support surface being a surface of the transport unit, the one or more positioning devices being configured to place the conductive tab element and the first solar cell sheet on the first support surface in a manner such that the leading edge of the first solar cell sheet follows the leading edge of the conductive tab element.
According to a further embodiment, the transport unit comprises one or more transport devices, wherein the transport unit is configured for transporting at least one of the first solar cell sheet, the second solar cell sheet, the third solar cell sheet and the electrically conductive tab element in a transport direction.
According to a further embodiment, the one or more positioning devices are configured to place the first solar cell sheet on the first support surface in a manner such that an end of the first solar cell sheet is placed on or supported by an end of the conductive tab element.
According to a further embodiment, the one or more positioning means are configured to place the second solar cell sheet on the first support surface in such a way that an end of the second solar cell sheet is placed on or supported by an end of the first solar cell sheet or an end of the third solar cell sheet.
According to a further embodiment, the one or more positioning devices comprise a positioning device having a gripper for holding the one or more solar cells and/or for holding the electrically conductive tab element.
According to a further embodiment, an apparatus comprises: a storage unit for storing the conductive tab element; and a transport system for transporting the conductive tab element from the storage unit to the first support surface.
According to a further embodiment, the assembly module is configured to provide the first solar cell sheet and the conductive tab element in an overlapping configuration such that an edge region of the first solar cell sheet is above an edge region of the conductive tab element.
According to a further embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a heating module downstream of the assembly module to cure the photovoltaic arrangement comprising the electrically conductive tab element and the plurality of overlapping solar cell sheets.
According to a further embodiment, a heating module is arranged downstream of the assembly module to collectively cure the first adhesive connecting the first solar cell sheet with the electrically conductive tab element and the second adhesive connecting the second solar cell sheet with the partially photovoltaically arranged solar cell sheet, which is the first solar cell sheet or the third solar cell sheet.
According to a further embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a solar cell separation device upstream of the assembly module and/or a first adhesive application device upstream of the assembly module.
According to further embodiments, the solar cell separation device is configured for separating the solar cell into two or more solar cell sheets, or the first adhesive application device is a printing device, or any combination of the above.
According to a further embodiment, the conductive tab element is a first conductive tab element at a first end of the photovoltaic arrangement, wherein the assembly module is configured to position a second conductive tab element to overlap the solar cell sheet at a second end of the photovoltaic arrangement.
According to a further embodiment, the electrically conductive tab element is a metal element; or the conductive tab element comprises or is made of copper; or the conductive tab element is configured for electrically connecting the photovoltaic arrangement to an external entity; or the conductive tab element is not a solar cell sheet or a solar cell; or any combination of the above.
According to a further embodiment, an apparatus for manufacturing a photovoltaic arrangement is provided. The apparatus includes an assembly module for assembling a photovoltaic arrangement including a conductive tab element and a plurality of overlapping solar cell sheets. The apparatus includes a heating module downstream of the assembly module to cure a photovoltaic arrangement including the conductive tab element and the plurality of overlapping solar cells.
According to a further embodiment, a heating module is arranged downstream of the assembly module to jointly cure a first adhesive connecting the first solar cell sheet of the photovoltaic arrangement with the electrically conductive tab element and a second adhesive connecting the second solar cell sheet of the photovoltaic arrangement with the first solar cell sheet or the third solar cell sheet of the photovoltaic arrangement.
According to a further embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a solar cell separation device upstream of the assembly module and/or a first adhesive application device upstream of the assembly module.
According to a further embodiment, the electrically conductive tab element is a metal element; or the conductive tab element comprises or is made of copper; or the conductive tab element is configured for electrically connecting the photovoltaic arrangement to an external entity; or the conductive tab element is not a solar cell sheet or a solar cell; or any combination of the above.
Embodiments are also directed to apparatuses for performing the disclosed methods and include apparatus portions for performing each described method aspect. These method aspects may be performed by hardware components, by a computer programmed with appropriate software, by any combination of the two, or in any other manner. Furthermore, the present disclosure also includes a method for operating the apparatus. The method for operating the apparatus includes method aspects for performing each function of the apparatus.
Description of the drawings
So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments. The figures relate to embodiments of the present disclosure and are described below:
fig. 1 shows an example of a solar cell sheet as described herein;
fig. 2 shows an example of a photovoltaic arrangement comprising a plurality of overlapping solar cell sheets and conductive tab elements as described herein;
fig. 3a to 3c and 4a to 4c show exemplary modes of operation of an assembly module of an apparatus according to embodiments described herein;
fig. 5a to 5c show examples of positioning means of an assembly module as described herein;
FIG. 6 shows an example of a solar cell sheet and conductive tab elements being transported in a transport direction;
FIG. 7 illustrates an apparatus including a memory cell for storing a conductive tab element according to embodiments described herein;
FIG. 8 shows an apparatus according to embodiments described herein, the apparatus comprising a solar cell dicing apparatus, an adhesive application apparatus, and a heating module;
fig. 9a to 9c show exemplary modes of operation of an assembly module of an apparatus according to embodiments described herein;
FIG. 10 illustrates an example of an overlapping configuration including a conductive tab element and first and second solar cell sheets;
11 a-11 b illustrate exemplary modes of operation of an assembly module of an apparatus according to embodiments described herein;
fig. 12a to 12b show an apparatus according to embodiments described herein.
Detailed Description
Reference will now be made in detail to the various embodiments of the disclosure, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the figures. In the following description of the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts. Generally, only the differences with respect to the respective embodiments are described. Each example is provided as an illustration of the present disclosure and is not intended as a limitation of the present disclosure. Furthermore, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on or in conjunction with other embodiments to yield yet a further embodiment. The present description is intended to embrace all such modifications and variations.
Embodiments described herein relate to a shingled photovoltaic arrangement, or a shingled solar cell arrangement. A shingled photovoltaic arrangement can include a plurality of overlapping solar cells. Adjacent solar cells in a shingled photovoltaic arrangement overlap one another and are electrically connected to one another in the overlap region, for example, via an adhesive as described herein. The solar cell sheets are connected in series such that the current generated by the individual solar cell sheets flowing along the series connected solar cell sheets is collected, for example at the ends of a shingled photovoltaic arrangement. The overlapping configuration may provide an efficient photovoltaic arrangement. In particular, the shingled photovoltaic arrangement allows for an increase in solar module power by increasing the used or active area. Typically, the overlapping configuration may increase module functionality by, for example, 20 watts to 40 watts. The used or active area may correspond to an area illuminated by solar powered lights and participating in power generation. For example, the used or active area may correspond to an area of the solar cell that is not covered by, for example, a pattern of conductive lines (such as fingers and/or bus bars).
A photovoltaic arrangement as described herein may be understood as a shingled photovoltaic arrangement.
The term "solar cell sheet" as used herein refers to a sheet, portion or segment of a solar cell. A solar cell sheet is understood to be a solar cell segment, or a solar cell stack. The solar cell sheet may be a portion of a solar cell produced by slitting (that is, dividing) a solar cell into solar cell sheets. The area of the solar cell is smaller than that of the solar cell. In some cases, the solar cell sheet may have 50% or less of the area of the solar cell.
The solar cell sheet as described herein may comprise a conductive pattern, in particular a conductive line pattern. The conductive pattern may include one or more bus bars and/or a plurality of fingers. The solar cell sheet may include a conductive pattern on a front side of the solar cell sheet. Additionally or alternatively, the solar cell sheet may comprise a conductive pattern on the backside of the solar cell sheet. For example, a solar cell sheet may include a first conductive pattern including a first bus bar and a plurality of fingers on a front side of the solar cell or solar cell sheet. The solar cell sheet may include a second conductive pattern including a second bus bar on a backside of the solar cell sheet. The solar cell sheet may include a single bus bar on a first side of the solar cell sheet. The solar cell sheet may include a single bus bar on a second side of the solar cell sheet opposite the first side.
A solar cell or solar cell sheet as described herein may be a silicon solar cell or a silicon solar cell sheet, respectively.
Fig. 1 shows an example of a solar cell sheet 10 as described herein.
The solar cell sheet 10 may have a back side 12 and a front side 14 opposite the back side 12. The front side 14 may be configured to receive light (e.g., sunlight), which may be converted into electricity by the solar cell sheet 10. The solar cell sheet 10 may include a bus bar 24. The bus bar 24 may be provided on the front side of the solar cell sheet 10. The solar cell sheet 10 may include a bus bar 22. The bus bars 22 may be provided on the back side 12 of the solar cell sheet 10. The solar cell sheet 10 may include an adhesive 5. The adhesive 5 may be provided on the front side 14 of the solar cell sheet 10. In some implementations, the adhesive 5 may be provided on the bus bar 24. Alternatively, the adhesive 5 may be provided on the back side 12 of the solar cell sheet 10 (e.g., on the bus bar 22).
The adhesive as described herein may be configured to connect, bond, or attach solar cells to one another. The adhesive may be configured to connect a solar cell sheet of the photovoltaic arrangement to another solar cell sheet of the photovoltaic arrangement. The adhesive may provide electrical and mechanical connection between two solar cell sheets of a photovoltaic arrangement.
Additionally or alternatively, an adhesive as described herein may be configured to connect, bond, or attach the solar cell sheet to the conductive tab element. The adhesive may provide an electrical and mechanical connection between the solar cell sheet and the conductive tab element.
The adhesive as described herein may be an Electrically Conductive Adhesive (ECA). The binder may be selected from the group consisting of: solder, silver paste, silicone-based conductive adhesive, and epoxy-based conductive adhesive.
Fig. 2 shows an example of a photovoltaic arrangement 20 as described herein.
The photovoltaic arrangement 20 may comprise a first solar cell sheet, for example, solar cell sheet 10 a. The photovoltaic arrangement 20 may comprise a second solar cell sheet, for example, solar cell sheet 10 b. The second solar cell sheet may overlap the first solar cell sheet. The first and second solar cell sheets may be adjacent solar cell sheets of the photovoltaic arrangement 20. The first solar cell sheet may be connected, joined, or attached to the second solar cell sheet by the adhesive 5 a. In some implementations, the adhesive 5a can bond the bus bar 24a of the first solar cell sheet to the bus bar 22b of the second solar cell sheet.
The photovoltaic arrangement 20 may comprise a plurality of further solar cell sheets 10. The photovoltaic arrangement 20 may include a plurality of adhesives that connect adjacent solar cell sheets 10 of the photovoltaic arrangement 20.
The photovoltaic arrangement 20 may include a conductive tab element 30. The conductive tab element 30 may be referred to as a band or ribbon element. The conductive tab element 30 may be configured for electrically connecting the photovoltaic arrangement 20 to an external entity. For example, the photovoltaic arrangement 20 may be electrically connected to a further photovoltaic arrangement by means of the conductive tab element 30, for example by connecting the conductive tab element 30 to a further conductive tab element of the further photovoltaic arrangement. In another implementation, a plurality of photovoltaic arrangements similar to the photovoltaic arrangement 20 may be mounted together in a module, with each photovoltaic arrangement of the module being electrically coupled to the module by the conductive tab elements of the respective photovoltaic arrangement.
In the photovoltaic arrangement 20 as described above, the conductive tab element 30 may be attached to the last solar cell sheet of the photovoltaic arrangement 20. The last solar cell sheet of the photovoltaic arrangement 20 may be understood as a solar cell sheet having only one adjacent solar cell sheet in the photovoltaic arrangement 20. For example, in fig. 2, solar cell sheet 10a has only one adjacent solar cell sheet in photovoltaic arrangement 20, i.e. solar cell sheet 10 b. In fig. 2, the solar cell sheet 10a is the last solar cell sheet of the photovoltaic arrangement 20.
The conductive tab elements 30 may be flat pieces of conductive material, such as plate-like elements. The conductive tab element may be a metal element, such as a copper element. The conductive tab element may comprise or be made of copper. The conductive tab element may be a copper element applied with a material, such as solder. The conductive tab element may have a length that is comparable to the length of the solar cell sheet to which the conductive tab element is attached. The conductive tab element as described herein is not a solar cell sheet or a solar cell.
The conductive tab element 30 may be connected, joined, or attached to the first solar cell sheet by a first adhesive (e.g., adhesive 35 shown in fig. 2). In some implementations, the first adhesive can connect the conductive tab member 30 to the bus bar 22a of the first solar cell sheet.
In some methods, the photovoltaic arrangement 20 may be manufactured by first assembling all of the solar cell sheets of the photovoltaic arrangement 20 in an overlapping configuration, followed by attaching the conductive tab element 30 at the end of the photovoltaic arrangement 20. According to embodiments described herein, the inclusion of the conductive tab element 30 in the photovoltaic arrangement 20 is not a separate operation performed after the solar cells of the photovoltaic arrangement 20 have overlapped one another. According to embodiments described herein, the inclusion of the conductive tab element 30 is incorporated as an integral part of the assembly process of the photovoltaic arrangement 20. In particular, the photovoltaic arrangement 20 is assembled by starting from the conductive tab element 30 and thereafter gradually building up the remaining photovoltaic arrangement 20 by successively adding solar cells to the arrangement.
The embodiments described herein provide the following advantages: when attaching the conductive tab elements of the photovoltaic arrangement, there is no need to handle lengthy arrangements of overlapping solar cells. In particular, a photovoltaic arrangement may typically comprise several tens of solar cells, and in some cases may be several meters long. The embodiments described herein avoid the tedious arrangement of handling for attaching the conductive tab element 30. In view of this, the footprint of the apparatus can be significantly reduced. For example, a method in which the attachment of the electrically conductive tab elements 30 is performed as a separate operation, i.e. after the solar cell sheet has been assembled, may involve providing a tab mounting (tabbing) module located downstream of the assembly module, which has a length of several meters and is used for attaching the electrically conductive tab elements. In contrast, in the apparatus according to embodiments described herein, the additional tab mounting modules may be avoided. The extra space that would be occupied by the tab mounting module can be saved so that the length of the apparatus can be shortened by several meters. The footprint of the apparatus can be reduced.
Fig. 3a to 3c show an apparatus 100 for manufacturing a photovoltaic arrangement 20 according to embodiments described herein, the photovoltaic arrangement 20 comprising a conductive tab element 30 and a plurality of overlapping solar cell sheets. The apparatus 100 comprises an assembly module 300. For example, the assembly module 300 may include one or more positioning arrangements, such as a first pick-and-place device for gripping and moving the solar cell sheet and a second pick-and-place device for gripping and moving the conductive tab element 30.
Fig. 3a, 3b and 3c illustrate three operations that may be performed by the assembly module 300 in the order shown. The operations shown in fig. 3a may be performed before the operations shown in fig. 3 b. The operations shown in fig. 3b may be performed before the operations shown in fig. 3 c.
As shown, for example, in fig. 3a, the assembly module 300 as described herein may be configured for placing the conductive tab element 30 on the first support surface 320.
As shown, for example, in fig. 3b, the assembly module 300 as described herein may be configured to provide the solar cell sheet 10a and the conductive tab element 30 in an overlapping configuration. For example, the assembly module 300 may be configured to place the solar cell sheet 10a on the first support surface 320 in a manner such that a portion of the solar cell sheet 10a falls on and overlaps a portion of the conductive tab element 30.
As shown, for example, in fig. 3c, an assembly module 300 as described herein may be configured to provide solar cell sheets 10b and solar cell sheets 10a in an overlapping configuration. For example, the assembly module 300 may be configured to place the solar cell sheet 10b on the first support surface 320 in such a manner that a portion of the solar cell sheet 10b falls on and overlaps a portion of the solar cell sheet 10 a.
The assembly module 300 may place another solar cell sheet on the first support surface 320 to overlap with the solar cell sheet 10b and proceed in this way by adding the other solar cell sheet in an overlapping configuration with respect to the solar cell sheet previously positioned on the first support surface until the photovoltaic arrangement 20 is fully assembled.
The exemplary assembly module 300 shown in fig. 3a to 3c may be configured to clamp and move individual solar cells. Alternatively, the assembly module 300 may be configured to collectively clamp and move a plurality of solar cell sheets, as shown in fig. 4a to 4 c. Similar to fig. 3a, 3b and 3c, fig. 4a, 4b and 4c illustrate three operations that may be performed by the assembly module 300 in the order shown.
Similar to fig. 3a, fig. 4a shows that the assembly module 300 may be configured for placing the conductive tab element 30 on the first support surface 320.
The assembly module 300 may be configured to collectively clamp and move at least two solar cell sheets, such as the solar cell sheet 10a and the solar cell sheet 10c shown in fig. 4 b. The assembly module 300 may be configured to provide the solar cell sheet 10a and the conductive tab element 30 in an overlapping configuration. The assembly module 300 may be configured to provide the solar cell sheet 10c and the solar cell sheet 10a in an overlapping configuration. For example, the assembly module 300 may be configured to place the solar cell sheet 10a and the solar cell sheet 10c on the first support surface 320 in a manner such that a portion of the solar cell sheet 10a falls on and overlaps a portion of the conductive tab element 30, and such that a portion of the solar cell sheet 10c falls on and overlaps a portion of the solar cell sheet 10 a.
The assembly module 300 may be configured to collectively clamp and move two additional solar cell sheets, such as the solar cell sheet 10b and the solar cell sheet 10d shown in fig. 4 c. The assembly module 300 may be configured to provide the solar cell sheets 10b and 10c in an overlapping configuration. The assembly module 300 may be configured to provide the solar cell sheet 10d and the solar cell sheet 10b in an overlapping configuration. For example, the assembly module 300 may be configured to place the solar cell sheet 10b and the solar cell sheet 10d on the first support surface 320 in such a manner that a portion of the solar cell sheet 10b falls on and overlaps a portion of the solar cell sheet 10c, and in such a manner that a portion of the solar cell sheet 10d falls on and overlaps a portion of the solar cell sheet 10 b.
In view of the above, according to an embodiment, an apparatus 100 for manufacturing a photovoltaic arrangement is provided. The photovoltaic arrangement includes a plurality of overlapping solar cells and an electrically conductive tab element 30. The apparatus 100 comprises an assembly module 300. The assembly module 300 is configured for assembling a partial photovoltaic arrangement comprising a first solar cell sheet and the conductive tab element 30. Assembly of the partial photovoltaic arrangement includes providing the first solar cell sheet and the conductive tab element 30 in an overlapping configuration. The assembly module 300 is configured for providing the second solar cell sheet in an overlapping configuration with a portion of the photovoltaic arranged solar cell sheets. The solar cell sheet of the partial photovoltaic arrangement may be the first solar cell sheet or the third solar cell sheet. Providing the second solar cell sheet in an overlapping configuration with a portion of the photovoltaic arranged solar cell sheets is performed after providing the first solar cell sheet and the conductive tab element in an overlapping configuration.
For example, with respect to the figures, a first solar cell sheet as described herein may be understood as a solar cell sheet 10 a. A partial photovoltaic arrangement may be understood as an arrangement comprising a conductive tab element 30 and a solar cell sheet 10a as shown in fig. 3b, or as an arrangement comprising a conductive tab element 30, a solar cell sheet 10a and a solar cell sheet 10c as shown in fig. 4 b. The second solar cell sheet may be understood as a solar cell sheet 10 b. The third solar cell sheet may be understood as a solar cell sheet 10 c.
It will be appreciated that the sequence of operations shown in fig. 3 a-3 c and 4 a-4 c is exemplary and for illustrative purposes, and that other ways for placing the conductive tab element 30 and the solar cell sheet on the first support surface 320 are contemplated in accordance with embodiments described herein. For example, the assembly module 300 may be configured for simultaneously positioning three or more solar cells on the first support surface 320, for collectively clamping or moving the conductive tab element 30 and one or more solar cells, and so forth.
The apparatus 100 according to embodiments described herein may comprise a first support surface 320. The first support surface 320 may be a surface of a transport unit (e.g., a conveyor) of the apparatus 100. The first support surface 320 may be used to receive a first solar cell sheet, a second solar cell sheet, a third solar cell sheet, and/or the conductive tab element 30.
The assembly module 300 as described herein may include one or more positioning devices. One or more positioning devices may be used to place the conductive tab element 30, the first solar cell sheet, the second solar cell sheet, and/or the third solar cell sheet on the first support surface 320.
The assembly module 300 as described herein may include a controller connected to one or more positioning devices. The controller may be configured to control movement of the one or more positioning devices in a manner such that the first solar cell sheet and the conductive tab element 30 are provided in an overlapping configuration by the one or more positioning devices, and/or the second solar cell sheet and a portion of the photovoltaic device are provided in an overlapping configuration by the one or more positioning devices.
The assembly module 300 may include a first positioning device (e.g., a first pick-and-place device) for positioning the first solar cell sheet on the first support surface 320, for example, under the control of the controller. The first positioning device may be configured to position the second solar cell sheet on the first support surface 320, for example, under the control of the controller. The first positioning device may be configured to position the third solar cell sheet on the first support surface 320, for example, under the control of the controller. An example of a first positioning device may be the positioning device 715 discussed below with respect to fig. 7.
The assembly module 300 may include a second positioning device (e.g., a second pick-and-place device) for positioning the conductive tab element 30 on the first support surface 320, for example, under control of the controller. An example of a second locating device may be the locating device 725 discussed below with respect to fig. 7. The conductive tab element 30 and the first solar cell sheet may be positioned on the first support surface 320 by different positioning means of the assembly module 300, such as a first positioning means and a second positioning means.
Alternatively, the first positioning device as described herein may be configured for positioning the conductive tab element 30 on the first support surface 320. One positioning device (such as a first positioning device) may be configured for positioning the first solar cell sheet on the first support surface 320, and for positioning the conductive tab element 30 on the first support surface 320, for example, under control of the controller. For example, the first positioning device may be configured to position the conductive tab element 30 on the first support surface 320 and thereafter position the first solar cell sheet on the first support surface 320.
Fig. 5 a-5 c illustrate different examples of a positioning device 500 (e.g., a first positioning device and/or a second positioning device) as described herein.
The positioning device 500 as described herein may include a gripper 520. The retainer 520 may be used to hold one or more solar cells and/or to hold the conductive tab element 30. The gripper 520 may include one or more suction cups 522. Other means for holding the solar cells and/or conductive tab elements may also be used. The holder 520 may be configured to collectively hold and/or move a plurality of solar cell sheets, such as two, three, four, five, six, or even more solar cell sheets. The positioning device 500 may include a robotic arm 540. The gripper 520 may be coupled to a robotic arm 540. The positioning device 500 may comprise an actuator to move (in particular lift) the gripper 520.
For example, fig. 5a shows a positioning element 500 comprising a gripper 520 for holding a solar cell sheet 10 as a single solar cell sheet held by the gripper 520. Fig. 5b shows a positioning device 500 comprising a holder 520 for holding an electrically conductive tab element 30. Fig. 5c shows a positioning device 500 comprising a holder 520 for holding two solar cells 10 together.
For example, the positioning device 500 shown in fig. 5b may be used to place the conductive tab element 30 on the first support surface 320 in the manner shown in fig. 3 a. The positioning device 500 shown in fig. 5a can be used for placing the solar cell sheet 10a on the first support surface 320 in the manner shown in fig. 3b and, thereafter, for placing the solar cell sheet 10b on the first support surface 320 in the manner shown in fig. 3 c.
For example, the positioning device 500 shown in fig. 5b may be used to place the conductive tab element 30 on the first support surface 320 in the manner shown in fig. 4 a. The positioning device 500 shown in fig. 5c can be used to place the solar cell sheet 10a and the solar cell sheet 10b on the first support surface 320 in the manner shown in fig. 4b and, thereafter, to place the solar cell sheet 10b and the solar cell sheet 10d on the first support surface 320 in the manner shown in fig. 4 c.
It will be appreciated that the positioning devices shown in fig. 5a to 5c are merely exemplary, and that other positioning devices for assembling the photovoltaic arrangement 20 are contemplated according to embodiments described herein.
The assembly module 300 as described herein may include one or more positioning devices configured to place the conductive tab element 30 on the first support surface 320 and thereafter place the first solar cell sheet on the first support surface 320. The one or more positioning devices may be configured to place the first solar cell sheet on the first support surface 320 in a manner such that an end of the first solar cell sheet is placed on or supported by an end of the conductive tab element 30.
The controller as described herein may be configured to control the movement of the one or more positioning devices in a manner such that the conductive tab element 30 is placed on the first support surface 320 by the one or more positioning devices and thereafter, the first solar cell sheet is placed on the first support surface 320 by the one or more positioning devices.
The one or more positioning devices may be configured to place the second solar cell sheet on the first support surface 320 in a manner such that an end of the second solar cell sheet is placed on or supported by an end of a partial photovoltaic arrangement of solar cell sheets as described herein. The solar cell sheet of the partial photovoltaic arrangement may be the first solar cell sheet or the third solar cell sheet as described herein.
The apparatus 100 according to embodiments described herein may comprise a transport unit 650 as shown, for example, in fig. 6. The transport unit 650 may include one or more conveyors (e.g., belt conveyors). The transport unit 650 may define a transport direction 652. The transportation unit 650 may be configured for transporting solar cell sheets, for example, a first solar cell sheet, a second solar cell sheet and/or a third solar cell sheet in a transportation direction 652. The transport unit 650 may be configured for transporting the conductive tab element 30 in a transport direction 652. The first support surface 320 may be a surface of the transport unit 650.
The one or more positioning devices of the assembly module 300 may be configured to place the conductive tab element 30 and the first solar cell sheet on the first support surface 320 in a manner such that the leading edge of the first solar cell sheet follows the leading edge of the conductive tab element 30. For example, in fig. 6, solar cell sheet 10a ("first solar cell sheet") has a leading edge 610a and conductive tab element 30 has a leading edge 630. The leading edge of the conductive tab element 30 may be understood as the first, or leading, edge of the conductive tab element 30 relative to the movement of the conductive tab element 30 in the transport direction 652. The leading edge of the first solar cell sheet may be understood as the first edge, or leading edge, of the first solar cell sheet moving in the transport direction 652 relative to the first solar cell sheet. The leading edge of the first solar cell sheet following the leading edge of the conductive tab element 30 may be understood relative to the first solar cell sheet and the movement of the conductive tab element 30 in the transport direction 652. Relative to the movement in the transport direction 652, the leading edge of the first solar cell sheet is behind the leading edge of the conductive tab element 30.
The controller as described herein may be configured to control movement of the one or more positioning devices in a manner such that the conductive tab element 30 and the first solar cell sheet are placed on the first support surface 320 by the one or more positioning devices, wherein the leading edge of the first solar cell sheet follows the leading edge of the conductive tab element 30.
The one or more positioning devices of the assembly module 300 may be configured to place the conductive tab element 30, the first solar cell sheet, and the second solar cell sheet on the first support surface 320 in a manner such that the leading edge of the first solar cell sheet follows the leading edge of the conductive tab element 30, and such that the leading edge of the second solar cell sheet follows the leading edge of the first solar cell sheet. For example, in fig. 6, solar cell sheet 10b ("second solar cell sheet") has a leading edge 610b that follows the leading edge 610a of solar cell sheet 10a ("first solar cell sheet"). The leading edge 610a of the solar cell sheet 10a follows the leading edge 630 of the conductive tab element 30.
Fig. 7 shows an apparatus 100 according to embodiments described herein.
The device 100 according to embodiments described herein may include a storage unit 750 for storing the conductive tab element 30. The storage unit 750 may be configured to store a plurality of conductive tab elements. Memory unit 750 may be a stationary memory unit. The conductive tab element 30 may be stationary when the conductive tab element 30 is stored in the storage unit 750. The storage unit 750 may be a cassette.
The apparatus 100 according to embodiments described herein may comprise a transport system. A transport system may be used to transport the conductive tab element 30 from the storage unit 750 to the first support surface 320. The transport system may include a transport unit 730 (e.g., one or more transport devices) for transporting the conductive tab element 30 from the storage unit 750 to the first support surface 320. The assembly module 300 may include a positioning device 725 for picking up the conductive tab element 30 from the transport unit 730 and/or for placing the conductive tab element 30 on the first support surface 320. The first support surface 320 may be a surface of the transport unit 650. The positioning device 725 may be configured to transfer the conductive tab element 30 from the transport unit 730 to the transport unit 650.
The apparatus 100 according to embodiments described herein may include a feed system for feeding the conductive tab element 30 to the first support surface 320. The feed system may include a storage unit 720 and a delivery system, as described herein. Alternatively, the feed system may include a feed roller, such as a spool. The feed roller may be configured to wind a length of conductive tab element material onto the feed roller. The conductive tab element material may be a conductive material in which the conductive tab element 30 is made of a conductive material. The feed system may be configured to fabricate the conductive tab element 30 from a conductive tab element material supplied by a feed roller. For example, the feeding system may include punching and/or cutting devices for manufacturing the conductive tab element 30 from the conductive tab element material. The feeding system may include a transport system for transporting the manufactured conductive tab element 30 to the first support surface 320.
The apparatus 100 according to embodiments described herein may include a transport unit 710. The transport unit 710 may include one or more conveyors (e.g., belt conveyors). The transportation unit 710 may be used to transport solar cell sheets, such as a first solar cell sheet, a second solar cell sheet, and/or a third solar cell sheet. The assembly module 300 may include a positioning device 715. The positioning device 715 may be configured to transfer the first, second, and/or third solar cell sheets from the transport unit 710 to the first support surface 320. The first support surface 320 may be a surface of the transport unit 650. The positioning device 715 may be configured to transfer the first, second, and/or third solar cell sheets from the transportation unit 710 to the transportation unit 650.
Fig. 8 illustrates an apparatus 100 according to embodiments described herein. The conductive tab element 30 is transferred from the storage unit 750 to the first support surface 320. In particular, the conductive tab element 30 is placed on the first support surface 320 by the locating means 725. The solar cell 1 is input to the solar cell separation device 810. The solar cell 1 is separated into the solar cell pieces 10 by the solar cell separation device 810. The solar cell sheets 10 are transported to a first adhesive applying device 820 for applying an adhesive to each solar cell sheet 10. The solar cell sheets 10 comprising the respective adhesives are placed on the first support surface 320 by the positioning means 715. A photovoltaic arrangement comprising a plurality of overlapping solar cell sheets and conductive tab elements 30 is assembled on the first support surface 320. The photovoltaic arrangement is transported to a heating module 830. The photovoltaic arrangement is heated by a heating module 830 for curing the adhesive that connects the conductive tab element 30 with the first solar cell sheet and connects adjacent solar cell sheets of the photovoltaic arrangement.
The layout of the apparatus 100 shown in fig. 8 is merely exemplary and for illustration purposes, and other layouts of the apparatus 100 may be considered according to embodiments described herein. For example, an apparatus 100 according to embodiments described herein may not include a solar cell separation device 810. In some implementations, pre-formed solar cell sheets provided by a slitting device external to apparatus 100 can be supplied so that solar cell separation device 810 need not be part of apparatus 100. Furthermore, a first adhesive application device 820 may be arranged upstream of the solar cell separation device 810 for applying an adhesive onto the completed solar cells, i.e. before slitting the solar cells into solar cell sheets. Further modifications of the apparatus 100 shown in fig. 8 are possible according to embodiments described herein.
The apparatus 100 according to embodiments described herein may include a solar cell separation device 810. The solar cell separation device 810 may be upstream of the assembly module 300.
The solar cell separation apparatus 810 may be configured to separate the solar cell 1 into two or more solar cell sheets 10. The solar cell separation apparatus 810 may include a cutting apparatus (e.g., a mechanical cutting apparatus or a laser) for cutting the solar cell 1 into two or more solar cell sheets 10. The solar cell separation device 810 may be understood as a solar cell dividing and cutting device.
An apparatus 100 according to embodiments described herein may include a first adhesive application device 820. The first adhesive application device 820 may be upstream of the assembly module 300.
The first adhesive application device 820 may be a printing device, such as a screen printing device. The first adhesive applying device 820 and the solar cell separation device 810 may be disposed on the same process line of the apparatus 100. The first adhesive application device 820 may be downstream or upstream of the solar cell separation device 810. A first adhesive application device 820 may be disposed downstream of the solar cell separation device 810 (as shown, for example, in fig. 8) for applying an adhesive to a solar cell sheet 10, such as a first solar cell sheet, a second solar cell sheet, and/or a third solar cell sheet as described herein. The solar cell sheet 10 may be produced by separating the solar cell 1 into solar cell sheets by the solar cell separation device 810. Alternatively, the first adhesive applying device 820 may be disposed upstream of the solar cell separation device 810 for applying an adhesive onto the solar cell 1, i.e., before the solar cell 1 is separated into the solar cell sheets 10 by the solar cell separation device 810.
The apparatus 100 according to embodiments described herein may include a second adhesive application device. A second adhesive application device may be used to apply adhesive to the conductive tab element 30. The second adhesive application device may be upstream of the assembly module 300. The second adhesive applying device may be downstream of the storage unit 750. The second adhesive applicator may be configured to dispense adhesive through a syringe by controlled air pressure.
Fig. 9a to 9c show an apparatus 100 according to embodiments described herein.
As described herein, the first solar cell sheet and the conductive tab element 30 may be provided by the assembly module 300 in an overlapping configuration. For example, fig. 9b shows the solar cell sheet 10a and the conductive tab element 30 in an overlapping configuration. In the overlapping configuration, the first solar cell sheet may be connected with the conductive tab element 30 or joined to the conductive tab element 30 by a first adhesive, such as adhesive 930 shown in fig. 9b or adhesive 35 shown in fig. 2. In the overlapping configuration, the first adhesive may be disposed in the region where the first solar cell sheet overlaps the conductive tab element 30. When the first solar cell sheet and the conductive tab element 30 are provided by the assembly module 300 in an overlapping configuration, the first adhesive may be in a substantially liquid or uncured state. The adhesive in a substantially liquid or uncured state may be a paste-like adhesive.
As described herein, the second solar cell sheet and a portion of the photovoltaically arranged solar cell sheets (the latter solar cell sheet being the first or third solar cell sheet as described herein) may be provided in an overlapping configuration by assembling the module 300. For example, fig. 9c shows a solar cell sheet 10b and a solar cell sheet 10a in an overlapping configuration. In the stacked configuration, a second solar cell sheet may be connected to, or bonded to, a portion of the photovoltaically arranged solar cell sheet by a second adhesive (e.g., second adhesive 910a shown in fig. 9 c). In the overlapping configuration, the second adhesive may be disposed in a region where the second solar cell sheet overlaps a portion of the photovoltaically disposed solar cell sheet. The second adhesive may be in a substantially liquid state when the second solar cell sheet and a portion of the photovoltaic arranged solar cell sheets are provided in an overlapping configuration by the assembly module 300. The first adhesive (e.g., adhesive 930) may be in a substantially liquid state when the second solar cell sheet and a portion of the photovoltaic arranged solar cell sheets are provided in an overlapping configuration by the assembly module 300.
The apparatus 100 according to embodiments described herein may include a heating module 830 downstream of the assembly module 300, as shown for example in fig. 8. The heating module 830 may be configured to cure the photovoltaic arrangement 20 including the conductive tab element 30 and the plurality of overlapping solar cells. The heating module 830 may be configured to cure a first adhesive (e.g., adhesive 930 shown in fig. 9 a-9 c) that connects the first solar cell sheet with the conductive tab element 30. The heating module 830 may be configured to cure a second adhesive (e.g., the second adhesive shown in fig. 9 b-9 c) that connects a second solar cell sheet with a solar cell sheet of a partial photovoltaic arrangement, the latter solar cell sheet being the first solar cell sheet or a third solar cell sheet as described herein. A heating module 830 may be arranged downstream of the assembly module 300 to collectively cure a first adhesive connecting a first solar cell sheet with the conductive tab element 30 and a second adhesive connecting a second solar cell sheet with a partially photovoltaically arranged solar cell sheet (the latter solar cell sheet being the first or third solar cell sheet as described herein). After the conductive tab element 30 and the first solar cell sheet have been provided in an overlapping configuration by the assembly module 300, a heating module 830 may be arranged downstream of the assembly module 300 to cure the plurality of adhesives connecting adjacent solar cell sheets of the photovoltaic arrangement 20.
In view of the above, the embodiments described herein allow for a single curing operation in which both the adhesive connecting adjacent solar cell sheets of the photovoltaic arrangement and the adhesive connecting the conductive tab element to the first solar cell sheet are cured. Due to the fact that the operation of including the conductive tab element in the photovoltaic arrangement is integrated into the assembly process rather than being performed as a separate operation after the arranged solar cell sheets are overlapped with each other, there is no need to cure the adhesive connecting the conductive tab element to the first solar cell sheet in an additional operation after curing the adhesive connecting the adjacent solar cell sheets.
Curing the adhesive may be understood as drying or curing the adhesive by heating the adhesive. Prior to curing, the binder may be substantially liquid, for example in the form of a paste. Curing the adhesive provides the adhesive in a substantially dry or cured state. By curing the adhesive of the photovoltaic arrangement, adjacent solar cell sheets of the photovoltaic arrangement can be securely connected to each other and the conductive tab element can be securely attached to the first solar cell sheet.
The transport unit 650 as described herein may be arranged to transport the photovoltaic arrangement to the heating module 830.
The heating module 830 as described herein may comprise one or more heating elements, in particular a plurality of heating elements. The heating element may be, for example, a heating lamp, a heating resistor, or a heating nest. The apparatus 100 may comprise a transport unit (e.g. a transport unit 650 as described herein or a different transport unit) for transporting the photovoltaic arrangement 20 by means of the heating module 830. One or more heating elements may be arranged above or below the surface of the transport unit, for example for heating a photovoltaic arrangement 20 of the photovoltaic arrangement 20 as supported by the surface, the photovoltaic arrangement 20 being transported by the heating module 830.
Fig. 10 shows an example of a conductive tab element 30 and a solar cell sheet 10a that have been provided in an overlapping configuration by assembling a module 300 as described herein.
The assembly module 300 as described herein may be configured to provide the first solar cell sheet (e.g., the solar cell sheet shown in fig. 10) and the conductive tab element 30 in an overlapping configuration such that the first edge region 1010a of the first solar cell sheet is above the edge region 1030a of the conductive tab element 30.
The controller as described herein may be configured to control movement of the one or more positioning devices to provide the first solar cell and the conductive tab element 30 in an overlapping configuration such that the first edge region 1010a of the first solar cell sheet is above the edge region 1030a of the conductive tab element 30.
The assembly module 300 can be configured (e.g., under control of a controller) to provide the second solar cell sheet (e.g., solar cell sheet 10b shown in fig. 10) and the first solar cell sheet in an overlapping configuration such that the edge region 1010a of the second solar cell sheet is above the second edge region 1010a' of the first solar cell sheet. The first edge region 1010a and the second edge region 1010a' may be at opposite ends of the first solar cell sheet. Alternatively, the assembly module 300 may be configured to provide the second solar cell sheet (e.g., solar cell sheet 10b shown in fig. 4 c) and the third solar cell sheet (e.g., solar cell sheet 10c shown in fig. 4 c) as described herein in an overlapping configuration such that the edge region of the second solar cell sheet is above the edge region of the third solar cell sheet.
Fig. 11a to 11b show a device 100 according to embodiments described herein. Fig. 11a shows the apparatus 100 after the conductive tab element 30 and the plurality of solar cells (including solar cells 10a, 10b, and 10e) have been positioned on the first support surface 320 in various overlapping configurations by the assembly module 300. Fig. 11b shows the device 100 after the assembly module 300 has positioned the second conductive tab element 30' of the photovoltaic arrangement 20 in an overlapping configuration with respect to the solar cell sheet 10 e.
The conductive tab element 30 as described herein may be a first conductive tab element at a first end of the photovoltaic arrangement 20. The assembly module 300 may be configured to position the second conductive tab element 30' to overlap a solar cell sheet (such as the solar cell sheet shown in fig. 11 a-11 b) at the second end of the photovoltaic arrangement 20. The first end may be opposite the second end. The solar cell sheet at the second end of the photovoltaic arrangement 20 may be the last solar cell sheet of the photovoltaic arrangement 20.
Fig. 12a to 12b show a device 100 according to embodiments described herein. The apparatus 100 includes an assembly module 300 as described herein and a heating module 830 as described herein. The heating module 830 is downstream of the assembly module 300. The photovoltaic arrangement 20 comprising the conductive tab element 30 and the plurality of overlapping solar cell sheets is assembled by an assembly module 300. Thereafter, the assembled photovoltaic arrangement 20 is cured by the heating module 830.
According to a further embodiment, an apparatus 100 for manufacturing a photovoltaic arrangement 20 is provided. The apparatus 100 comprises an assembly module 300 for assembling a photovoltaic arrangement 20, said photovoltaic arrangement 20 comprising a conductive tab element 30 and a plurality of overlapping solar cell sheets. The apparatus 100 includes a heating module 830 downstream of the assembly module 300 to cure the photovoltaic arrangement 20 including the conductive tab element and the plurality of overlapping solar cell sheets.
The heating module 830 may be located downstream of the assembly module 300 with respect to the processing of the apparatus 100, as indicated for example by the transport direction 652 shown in fig. 12 a.
The apparatus 100 may include a transport unit (e.g., transport unit 650 as described herein) for transporting a photovoltaic arrangement 20 from the assembly module 300 to the heating module 830, the photovoltaic arrangement 20 including the conductive tab element 30 and the plurality of overlapping solar cell sheets. In the photovoltaic arrangement 20 transported by the transport unit to the heating module 830, the first solar cell sheet and the conductive tab element 30 may be in an overlapping configuration in a manner such that the leading edge of the first solar cell sheet follows the leading edge of the conductive tab element 30 (e.g., relative to the transport direction 652 as described herein).
As described above, the assembly module 300 may be configured to provide the first solar cell sheet and the conductive tab element 30 in an overlapping configuration such that the first edge region of the first solar cell sheet is above the edge region of the conductive tab element 30. Thereafter, the photovoltaic arrangement 20 may be cured by heating the module 830.
The method for manufacturing a photovoltaic arrangement 20 comprising a conductive tab element 30 and a plurality of overlapping solar cell sheets may be performed using an apparatus according to embodiments described herein. The method includes assembling a partial photovoltaic arrangement including a first solar cell sheet (e.g., solar cell sheet 10a as described herein) and a conductive tab element 30, the assembling including providing the first solar cell sheet and the conductive tab element 30 in an overlapping configuration. The method includes providing a second solar cell sheet (e.g., solar cell sheet 10b as described herein) in an overlapping configuration with a portion of the photovoltaically arranged solar cell sheets. After providing the first solar cell sheet and the conductive tab element 30 in an overlapping configuration, providing the second solar cell sheet and a portion of the photovoltaically arranged solar cell sheets in an overlapping configuration is performed after providing the first solar cell sheet and the conductive tab element 30 in an overlapping configuration. The solar cell sheet of the partial photovoltaic arrangement may be a first solar cell sheet or a third solar cell sheet (e.g., solar cell sheet 10c shown in fig. 4 c).
The method may include placing the conductive tab element 30 on the first support surface 320. The method may include placing a first solar cell sheet on the first support surface 320. The method may include placing a second solar cell sheet on the first support surface 320.
The method may include placing the conductive tab element 30 on the first support surface 320 (e.g., using the second positioning device as described herein) and thereafter placing the first solar cell sheet on the first support surface 320 (using the first positioning device as described herein).
The method may include transporting the conductive tab element 30 and the first solar cell sheet in a transport direction (e.g., transport direction 652) as described herein.
The method may include storing the conductive tab element, for example, in a storage cell 750 as described herein. The method may include transferring the conductive tab element 30 from the storage unit 750 to the first support surface 320, for example, by a transfer system as described herein.
The method may include arranging the conductive tab element 30 and the first solar cell sheet in a manner such that the leading edge 610a of the first solar cell sheet follows the leading edge 630 of the conductive tab element 30.
The first solar cell sheet and the conductive tab element 30 may be provided in an overlapping configuration in a manner such that the first edge region 1010a of the first solar cell sheet is above the edge region 1030a of the conductive tab element 30.
The method may comprise curing the photovoltaic arrangement 20 after providing the second solar cell sheet (e.g. solar cell sheet 10b) in an overlapping configuration with a portion of the photovoltaic arrangement's solar cell sheet (e.g. solar cell sheet 10a or solar cell sheet 10 c). Curing the photovoltaic arrangement may include collectively curing a first adhesive connecting the conductive tab element 30 with the first solar cell sheet and a second adhesive connecting the second solar cell sheet with the solar cell sheets of the partial photovoltaic arrangement. Curing may be performed by a heating module 830 as described herein.
While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.
Claims (20)
1. An apparatus for manufacturing a photovoltaic arrangement comprising an electrically conductive tab element and a plurality of overlapping solar cell sheets, characterized in that the apparatus comprises:
an assembly module configured to:
assembling a partial photovoltaic arrangement including a first solar cell sheet and the conductive tab element, the assembling including providing the first solar cell sheet and the conductive tab element in an overlapping configuration; and after providing the first solar cell sheet and the conductive tab element in the overlapping configuration,
providing a second solar cell sheet and the partially photovoltaically arranged solar cell sheet in an overlapping configuration, wherein the partially photovoltaically arranged solar cell sheet is the first solar cell sheet or a third solar cell sheet.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first support surface,
wherein the assembly module includes one or more positioning devices configured to place the conductive tab element and the first solar cell sheet on the first support surface.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the one or more positioning devices are configured to place the conductive tab element on the first support surface and thereafter place the first solar cell sheet on the first support surface.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, the apparatus further comprising:
a transport unit defining a transport direction, the first support surface being a surface of the transport unit;
the one or more positioning devices configured to place the conductive tab element and the first solar cell sheet on the first support surface in a manner such that a leading edge of the first solar cell sheet follows a leading edge of the conductive tab element.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the transport unit comprises one or more transport devices, wherein the transport unit is configured for transporting at least one of the first solar cell sheet, the second solar cell sheet, the third solar cell sheet, and the conductive tab element in the transport direction.
6. The apparatus of any of claims 2-5, wherein the one or more positioning devices are configured to place the first solar cell sheet on the first support surface in a manner such that an end of the first solar cell sheet is placed on or supported by an end of the conductive tab element.
7. The apparatus of any one of claims 2-5, wherein the one or more positioning devices are configured to place the second solar cell sheet on the first support surface in a manner such that an end of the second solar cell sheet is placed on or supported by an end of the first solar cell sheet or an end of the third solar cell sheet.
8. The apparatus of any one of claims 2-5, wherein the one or more positioning devices comprise a positioning device having a gripper for holding one or more solar cells and/or for holding the conductive tab element.
9. The apparatus of any of claims 2 to 5, further comprising:
a storage unit for storing the conductive tab element; and
a transport system for transporting the conductive tab element from the storage unit to the first support surface.
10. The apparatus of any of claims 1-5, wherein the assembly module is configured to provide the first solar cell sheet and the conductive tab element in an overlapping configuration such that an edge region of the first solar cell sheet is above an edge region of the conductive tab element.
11. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:
a heating module downstream of the assembly module to cure the photovoltaic arrangement including the conductive tab element and the plurality of overlapping solar cell sheets.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the heating module is arranged downstream of the assembly module to collectively cure a first adhesive connecting the first solar cell sheet with the electrically conductive tab element and a second adhesive connecting the second solar cell sheet with the solar cell sheet of the partial photovoltaic arrangement, the solar cell sheet of the partial photovoltaic arrangement being the first solar cell sheet or the third solar cell sheet.
13. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:
a solar cell separation device upstream of the assembly module; and/or
A first adhesive application device upstream of the assembly module.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein:
the solar cell separation device is configured to separate a solar cell into two or more solar cell pieces; or
The first adhesive applying device is a printing device; or
Any combination of the above.
15. The device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the conductive tab element is a first conductive tab element at a first end of the photovoltaic arrangement,
wherein the assembly module is configured to position a second conductive tab element to overlap a solar cell sheet at a second end of the photovoltaic arrangement.
16. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein:
the conductive tab element is a metal element; or
The conductive tab element comprises or is made of copper; or
The conductive tab element is configured for electrically connecting the photovoltaic arrangement to an external entity; or
The conductive tab element is not a solar cell sheet or a solar cell; or
Any combination of the above.
17. An apparatus for manufacturing a photovoltaic arrangement, characterized in that the apparatus comprises:
an assembly module for assembling a photovoltaic arrangement comprising an electrically conductive tab element and a plurality of overlapping solar cell sheets; and
a heating module downstream of the assembly module to cure a photovoltaic arrangement including the conductive tab element and the plurality of overlapping solar cell sheets.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the heating module is arranged downstream of the assembly module to collectively cure a first adhesive connecting a first solar cell sheet of the photovoltaic arrangement with the electrically conductive tab element and a second adhesive connecting a second solar cell sheet of the photovoltaic arrangement with the first or third solar cell sheet of the photovoltaic arrangement.
19. The apparatus of claim 17 or 18, further comprising:
a solar cell separation device upstream of the assembly module; and/or
A first adhesive application device upstream of the assembly module.
20. The apparatus of claim 17 or 18, wherein:
the conductive tab element is a metal element; or
The conductive tab element comprises or is made of copper; or
The conductive tab element is configured for electrically connecting the photovoltaic arrangement to an external entity; or
The conductive tab element is not a solar cell sheet or a solar cell; or
Any combination of the above.
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Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN117219704A (en) * | 2023-10-20 | 2023-12-12 | 杭州弘晟智能科技有限公司 | Preparation method and arrangement method of photovoltaic cell and preparation equipment thereof |
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2019
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Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN117219704A (en) * | 2023-10-20 | 2023-12-12 | 杭州弘晟智能科技有限公司 | Preparation method and arrangement method of photovoltaic cell and preparation equipment thereof |
| CN117219704B (en) * | 2023-10-20 | 2024-02-27 | 杭州弘晟智能科技有限公司 | Preparation method and arrangement method of photovoltaic cell and preparation equipment thereof |
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