DE102016105477A1 - photovoltaic module - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a photovoltaic module, comprising a plurality of solar cells for generating electrical energy and a connection device. To the connecting device cables and optionally a voltage converter can be connected. The connecting device has at least one bypass diode, by means of which at least a part of the solar cells can be bridged. Furthermore, the connection device has cable connections for connecting the cables and contact connections for connecting the voltage converter, so that the electrical energy can be passed on via the cables connected to the connection device or via the voltage converter connected to the connection device.

Description

The present invention relates to a photovoltaic module, comprising a plurality of solar cells for generating electrical energy and a connection device.

A photovoltaic module usually has a plurality of solar cells. The solar cells are designed to convert electromagnetic radiation energy (sunlight) into electrical energy. For contacting the photovoltaic module and thus for forwarding and providing the electrical energy different configurations are known.

Standard photovoltaic modules have on the back of a universally enclosed junction box, from which two connection cables can lead. The connection cables can be routed to other photovoltaic modules as well as to an inverter. The inverter can be assigned to several photovoltaic modules.

Also known are photovoltaic modules with a module-specific voltage converter, such as in US 2008/0283118 A1 is described. In one embodiment, the voltage converter is a separate module, which is attached to a frame or on a rear wall of a photovoltaic module and connected via short connection cable with a junction box of the photovoltaic module. In another, also in US 2008/0283118 A1 described design is a holder on a back of a photovoltaic module used, which is electrically connected to the solar cell. The holder is used to connect and hold a voltage transformer. For this purpose, the holder and the voltage converter have corresponding contacts. For the operation of the photovoltaic module, it is necessary that the voltage converter is arranged on the holder.

The aforementioned embodiment allows a quick installation and a quick replacement of the voltage transformer during or after the installation of the photovoltaic module. However, the photovoltaic module can only be operated with voltage transformers. If a large variety of products to be provided on different photovoltaic modules, this design therefore requires a high manufacturing and storage costs. There is also little flexibility with regard to subsequent changes to a photovoltaic system.

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved photovoltaic module.

This object is achieved by a photovoltaic module according to claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

According to one aspect of the invention, a photovoltaic module is proposed. The photovoltaic module has a plurality of solar cells for generating electrical energy and a connection device. To the connecting device cables and optionally a voltage converter can be connected. The connecting device has at least one bypass diode, by means of which at least a part of the solar cells can be bridged. Furthermore, the connection device has cable connections for connecting the cables and contact connections for connecting the voltage converter. In this way, the electrical energy can be forwarded via the cable connected to the connection device or via the voltage converter connected to the connection device.

The proposed structure allows different modes of operation of the photovoltaic module. In a first operating mode without voltage converter, the photovoltaic module can be operated by means of the cable connected to the connecting device. In an alternative second operating mode, the photovoltaic module can be operated with the aid of the voltage converter arranged on the connecting device. For this purpose, the photovoltaic module is embodied or the cable connections provided for the cables and the contact connections of the connection device provided for the voltage converter are electrically connected to the solar cells in such a way that the electrical energy generated with the aid of the solar cells passes both via the cables connected to the connection device as well as via the voltage converter connected to the connection device can be forwarded.

The optionally usable voltage converter can be easily and quickly mounted on the connecting device of the photovoltaic module, as well as dismantled or replaced. The configuration of the connection device with at least one bypass diode makes it possible, at least in the operating mode without voltage transformers, to pass a current flowing in the photovoltaic module on at least part of the solar cells. This can be done in the presence of an accident such as (partial) shading to prevent a negative impact. For this purpose, the at least one bypass diode is suitably electrically connected to the solar cells.

The proposed approach further allows a variety of different To provide photovoltaic modules with the structure described above with a comparatively low manufacturing and storage costs available. Another advantage that can be achieved is great flexibility with regard to subsequent changes to a photovoltaic system.

In the following, further possible details and embodiments of the proposed photovoltaic module will be described in more detail.

In one embodiment, the connection device is arranged on a rear side of the photovoltaic module. In this way, shading of a front side of the photovoltaic module opposite the rear side can be avoided. The electromagnetic radiation can be coupled into the photovoltaic module and thus into its solar cells via the front side.

The cables provided for the connection device, like the voltage converter, can be detachably connected to the connection device. These can be single-pole cables. The cables may have mating terminals corresponding to the cable terminals at one end of the cable. The cable connections and the mating connections can be made pluggable with each other, for example. In this way, a simple and quick installation and disassembly of the cable to / from the connection device is possible. Also conceivable is an embodiment in which the mating connections of the cables can be screwed into the cable connections of the connecting device. Once the cables are connected to the cable connections and appropriate plug or screw connections are made, the cables can be used to forward the generated electrical energy.

In a further embodiment, the connection device has two cable connections. The two cable connections can form one terminal plus pole and one terminal minus pole. In the same way, two cables can be connected to the connection device.

In the configuration of the photovoltaic module with the voltage converter connected to the connection device, the voltage converter can be used both to forward the generated electrical energy and to effect a voltage conversion.

In one embodiment, the voltage converter is a DC-DC converter, also called DC-DC optimizer. As a result, the voltage converter can convert a direct current supplied to it into another direct current.

In a further embodiment, the voltage converter is an inverter, also referred to as a module inverter. In this way, the voltage converter can convert a direct current supplied to it into an alternating current.

The voltage converter may have counter connections corresponding to the contact terminals of the connection device. The contact terminals of the connection device and the mating connections of the voltage converter can be made pluggable with each other. In this way, a simple and quick installation and disassembly of the voltage converter to / from the connection device can be favored.

For forwarding the generated electrical energy, the voltage converter may be connected to at least one cable leading away from the voltage converter. This can be a multi-pole cable or multiple or two single-pole cables. The voltage converter may be provided such that the at least one cable is fixedly connected to the voltage converter. Alternatively, an embodiment of the voltage converter may be used, in which at least one cable can be detachably connected to the voltage converter.

Depending on the operating mode, the cable connections or the contact connections of the connection device can be used in the photovoltaic module. In order for an electrical contact protection to be provided for an unused connection, according to a further embodiment, a protective element is used for covering at least one unused cable connection or contact connection. The protective element may be a molded part made of an insulating material. It can also be used several protective elements. In this context, it is possible to use a separate protection element for each unused port. Alternatively, several unused ports may be provided with a common protection element.

In a further embodiment, the connection device has at least one guide element for arranging the voltage converter at the connection device. As a result, a simple and quick installation of the voltage converter can be promoted on the connection device. Also, the voltage converter can be positively connected to the connection device. The connection device may for example have two guide rails, between which the voltage converter can be accommodated.

In a further embodiment, the voltage converter and / or the Connection device for mechanical fixation of the voltage converter formed on the connection device. In this way, in the connected state of the voltage converter, an undesired detachment of the voltage converter from the connection device can be prevented. The mechanical fixation can be made detachable, so that a simple disassembly of the voltage converter is possible. The voltage converter and the connection device can have, for example, corresponding latching elements for the releasable latching of the voltage converter to the connection device. In a further possible embodiment, the voltage converter on a rotatable headband.

In addition, the voltage converter and / or the connecting device can also be designed for attaching at least one fastening means in order to mechanically fix the voltage converter arranged on the connecting device. The attachment means may be, for example, a screw.

The solar cells of the photovoltaic module can be electrically connected in series, so that there is a string of solar cells. In this case, the ends of the electrical series connection can each be electrically connected to a cable connection and to a contact connection of the connection device. Furthermore, the at least one bypass diode can be connected in antiparallel to the solar cells or to a part of the solar cells.

In a further embodiment, the photovoltaic module has a plurality of series strings connected in series of solar cells connected in series. Furthermore, the connecting device has a plurality of bypass diodes each assigned to one of the partial strings. This makes it possible, at least in the operating mode without a voltage converter, to bridge each of the partial strings in the event of an accident. The plurality of bypass diodes may be electrically connected in series with each other. Each bypass diode may be connected in anti-parallel to its associated sub-string.

In a further embodiment, which may be considered in an embodiment of the photovoltaic module having a plurality of series-connected partial strings of solar cells connected in series, the contact terminals of the connecting device provided for the voltage converter are each electrically connected in pairs to one of the partial strings. As a result, in the operating mode with voltage converter, the electrical energy generated in the individual partial strings can be supplied separately to the voltage converter, and each partial string can be operated with the aid of the voltage converter at the optimum operating point.

In a further embodiment, the photovoltaic module has three series strings connected in series of solar cells connected in series. Corresponding thereto, the connection device has three bypass diodes and four contact connections.

Also possible are embodiments of the photovoltaic module with other numbers of substrings, bypass diodes and contact terminals. In an embodiment with n substrings, the connection device of the photovoltaic module can be realized with n bypass diodes and n + 1 contact connections.

The above-described features and / or reproduced in the dependent claims advantageous refinements and developments of the invention can - except for example in cases of clear dependencies or incompatible alternatives - individually or in any combination with each other are used.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the schematic figures. Show it:

1 a perspective view of a photovoltaic module with a connection device and a connectable to the connection device voltage converter;

2 a front side of the photovoltaic module with a representation of solar cells and an interconnection of the solar cells;

3 a rear side of the photovoltaic module with a representation of the connection device and an interconnection of terminals and bypass diodes of the connection device;

4 the back of the photovoltaic module in the event that the voltage converter is arranged on the connecting device; and

5 a detail of the arranged on the connecting device voltage converter with a representation of locking elements.

Based on the following schematic figures are possible embodiments of a photovoltaic module 100 described. The photovoltaic module 100 is characterized by the fact that the photovoltaic module 100 after its production optionally with or without voltage transformer 180 can be operated. The voltage converter 180 can be easily and quickly mounted and dismantled.

It should be noted that the photovoltaic module 100 and also the optionally usable voltage converter 180 in addition to components shown and described may have other components and structures. It is further noted that the figures are merely schematic in nature and are not to scale. In this sense, components and structures shown in the figures may be exaggerated or oversized for clarity. In the same way, an electrical circuit shown in a part of the figures is simplified for reasons of clarity.

1 shows a perspective view of a photovoltaic module 100 , The photovoltaic module 100 is designed to convert sunlight into electrical energy. For this purpose, the photovoltaic module 100 several solar cells 110 on (cf. 2 ). Further components of the photovoltaic module 100 are a front and a back cover, between which the solar cells 110 are arranged in an embedding layer (not shown). Furthermore, the photovoltaic module 100 on the edge, as in 1 shown is a circumferential frame 105 on. In this way, the photovoltaic module 100 be given a higher mechanical stability.

In 1 is the photovoltaic module 100 shown in such an orientation that a back of the photovoltaic module 100 to the top and an opposite thereto front of the photovoltaic module 100 are directed downwards. In operation, the photovoltaic module 100 with the front facing the sunlight, allowing the sunlight into the photovoltaic module 100 and thus in its solar cells 110 can be coupled to generate energy.

Another component of the photovoltaic module 100 is how in 1 is shown, one on the back or on the back cover of the photovoltaic module 100 arranged connection device 140 , The connection device 140 , which can also be referred to as a docking station and which is used instead of a conventional junction box, can near the edge or of the frame 105 of the photovoltaic module 100 be provided. The connection device 140 is suitably on the back of the photovoltaic module 100 attached.

As will be explained in more detail below, the connecting device 140 designed such that the connection device 140 both cables 190 (see. 3 ) as well as an in 1 indicated voltage converter 180 connected, as well as the cables 190 and the voltage converter 180 again from the connection device 140 can be dismantled. This allows the photovoltaic module 100 optionally in a first operating mode without the voltage converter 180 with the cables 190 be operated, using the cable 190 the generated electrical energy can be forwarded, or in an alternative second mode of operation with the voltage converter 180 , In the second mode of operation, the voltage converter 180 be used to forward the generated electrical energy and voltage conversion.

2 shows a front view of the photovoltaic module 100 with its solar cells 110 , The solar cells 110 are arranged in the form of a matrix. In the embodiment shown here, the photovoltaic module 100 sixty solar cells 110 on. The solar cells 110 are distributed over six juxtaposed rows of ten solar cells each 110 , As shown in 2 The solar cell rows extend in the horizontal direction.

2 further shows an electrical connection structure 120 of the photovoltaic module 100 over which the solar cells 110 electrically connected to each other. The simplified illustrated connection structure 120 may include components not shown, such as cell connectors and cross connectors. All solar cells 110 are using the electrical connection structure 120 connected in series, making a string of solar cells 110 is present.

At the edge of the solar cell matrix has the photovoltaic module 100 furthermore, as in 2 shown is several with the solar cells 110 or with the connection structure 120 electrically connected connection elements 130 on. About the fasteners 130 are electrical connections from the solar cell array to the back of the photovoltaic module 100 and thus to the arranged at this point connection device 140 prepared (cf. 3 ).

As further in 2 is indicated, the solar cell matrix is in three serially connected substrings 115 from each two solar cell rows or from each of twenty series-connected solar cells 110 divided. The connecting elements are matched to this 130 in pairs electrically with the substrings 115 or connected to their ends. Corresponding to the three substrings 115 has the photovoltaic module 100 four connecting elements 130 on. This configuration makes it in interaction with the rear connection device 140 as well as the voltage transformer 180 possible, during operation of the photovoltaic module 100 without the voltage transformer 180 each of the substrings 115 in case of a fault, and during operation of the photovoltaic module 100 with the voltage converter 180 every substring 115 to operate at an optimal operating point.

3 shows a representation of the back of the photovoltaic module 100 with the connecting device provided at this point 140 , The connection device 140 has an in 3 only schematically indicated housing, within which or on which electrical components 155 . 161 . 162 . 171 . 172 . 173 . 174 the connection device 140 are arranged. The housing may be formed, for example, of an insulating plastic material. The electrical components 155 . 161 . 162 . 171 . 172 . 173 . 174 the connection device 140 are over lines 150 with each other and with the fasteners 130 electrically connected.

With respect to the electrical components, the connection device 140 , as in 3 is shown, three bypass diodes 155 on. The bypass diodes 155 are electrically connected in series. Furthermore, the bypass diodes 155 one each in 2 shown substrings 115 from solar cells 110 assigned. For this purpose, the bypass diodes 155 or their connections with one of the connecting elements 130 electrically connected, whereby each of the bypass diodes 155 antiparallel to one of the substrings 115 is switched.

The connection device 140 furthermore, as in 3 shown is two cable connections 161 . 162 for the detachable electrical connection of dashed lines indicated cables 190 on. The cable connections 161 . 162 are with the series arrangement of the three bypass diodes 155 or with their ends and with the two outer connecting elements 130 , and with the solar cells 110 of the photovoltaic module 100 , electrically connected. As in 3 is indicated, the cable connection 161 a positive terminal and the cable connection 162 form a terminal negative pole.

The module connection cable 190 , which may be unipolar DC cables, point to the cable connections 161 . 162 the connection device 140 corresponding, not shown mating connections on a cable end. The cable-side mating terminals may be used to make electrical contact with the cable connectors 161 . 162 the connection device 140 connected and, if necessary, again from the cable connections 161 . 162 be separated. For example, the cable connections 161 . 162 and the mating connections in the form of plug-in connectors and mating connectors to be realized. Here you can connect the cables 190 at the connection device 140 electrical connectors are made.

With regard to the aforementioned embodiment, it is possible, for example, that the cable connections 161 . 162 the connection device 140 Contact sockets and the mating connectors of the cables 190 Have contact pins or vice versa the cable connections 161 . 162 Contact pins and the mating connections have contact sockets. It is also possible a mixed configuration, ie that one of the two cable connections 161 . 162 a contact socket and the other of the two cable connections 161 . 162 a contact pin, wherein the associated mating terminals of the cable 190 are formed with a contact pin or a contact socket.

Alternatively, other configurations for the cable connections 161 . 162 and the corresponding mating connections come into consideration. An example is an embodiment in which the mating connections of the cables 190 into the cable connections 161 . 162 the connection device 140 can be screwed.

In addition to the cable connections 161 . 162 has the connection device 140 furthermore, as in 3 shown is four contact connections 171 . 172 . 173 . 174 on or inside the housing. The contact connections 171 . 172 . 173 . 174 are used for releasable electrical connection of the voltage converter 180 , as explained below by means of 4 will be explained in more detail. The contact connections 171 . 172 . 173 . 174 the connection device 140 are each with one of the fasteners 130 electrically connected. In this way, the contact terminals 171 . 172 . 173 . 174 in pairs with one of the three substrings 115 of the photovoltaic module 100 electrically connected. These contact terminal pairs are the contact terminals 171 . 172 , the contact connections 172 . 173 and the contact connections 173 . 174 ,

3 illustrates a condition that exists when the photovoltaic module 100 without the voltage transformer 180 and with the cables 190 is operated. Here are the cables 190 in the manner described above to the cable connections 161 . 162 the connection device 140 connected. In this condition, the cables can 190 for forwarding with the help of solar cells 110 generated electrical energy are used (DC operation). About the cables 190 can the photovoltaic module 100 be electrically connected to other components. For example, a cable 190 be connected to another photovoltaic module, another cable or a plurality of photovoltaic modules associated inverter (not shown).

In operation of the photovoltaic module 100 with the cables 190 It is possible with the help of antiparallel to the substrings 115 switched bypass diodes 155 each of the substrings 115 to bridge in the event of an accident. Such a fault can, for example, partial shading of a substring 115 be. In this case, the associated bypass diode 155 address or become conductive, so that the substring 115 is bridged. Depending on the incident, two of the substrings can also be used 115 or all substrings 115 of the photovoltaic module 100 with the help of bypass diodes 155 be bridged.

In 3 is further shown that in the operating mode without voltage converter 180 unused contact connections 171 . 172 . 173 . 174 the connection device 140 with the help of a protective element 179 can be covered. In this way, a secure contact protection can be achieved. The protective element 179 may be a molded part of an insulating plastic material. Furthermore, the protective element 179 depending on the configuration of the contact connections 171 . 172 . 173 . 174 For example, sections in the form of dummy plugs for insertion into the contact terminals 171 . 172 . 173 . 174 or caps or recesses for covering or receiving the contact terminals 171 . 172 . 173 . 174 exhibit. Instead of in 3 indicated and for all contact connections 171 . 172 . 173 . 174 jointly provided protection element 179 can the individual contact connections 171 . 172 . 173 . 174 also be provided with separate protective elements.

4 shows a further back view of the photovoltaic module 100 , illustrating a state in which the voltage converter 180 at the connection device 140 is arranged. To the two cable connections 161 . 162 the connection device 140 are not cables 190 connected. Here are the unused cable connections 161 . 162 , as in 4 represented by means of blind or protective elements 169 be covered to achieve a secure contact protection. The protective elements 169 For example, molded parts may be made of an insulating plastic material and one on the cable terminals 161 . 162 have coordinated design. For example, a configuration as a dummy plug for plugging in a cable connection is possible 161 . 162 or as a cap to cover a cable connection 161 . 162 ,

The voltage converter 180 , which is realized in the form of a separate terminal assembly, has a in 4 only schematically indicated housing made of, for example, an insulating plastic material. The voltage converter 180 and the connection device 140 are coordinated so that the voltage converter 180 positive fit with the connection device 140 can be connected. In the embodiment shown here, the connection device 140 for this purpose on the housing two guide elements 141 in the form of guide rails, between which the voltage transformer 180 can be inserted.

The voltage converter 180 and / or the connection device 140 may further be configured such that the voltage converter 180 in addition to the connection device 140 can be mechanically secured. In 1 is in this sense a possible embodiment of the voltage converter 180 with a rotatable headband 181 illustrated. Here, the headband 181 after arranging the voltage converter 180 at the connection device 140 be pivoted starting from a starting position in a fixing position, in which a detachment of the voltage converter 180 from the connection device 140 can be prevented (not shown). If necessary, the headband 181 be pivoted back to the starting position, so that the voltage converter 180 again from the connection device 140 can be removed.

As in 4 is shown, the voltage converter 180 further arranged on or within the housing and to the contact terminals 171 . 172 . 173 . 174 the connection device 140 corresponding mating connections 187 on. When arranging the voltage converter 180 at the connection device 140 can be an electrical contact between the input-side terminals 187 of the voltage converter 180 and the contact connections 171 . 172 . 173 . 174 the connection device 140 getting produced. When removing the voltage converter 180 from the connection device 140 can the connections 187 and the contact connections 171 . 172 . 173 . 174 be separated again.

The connections 187 of the voltage converter 180 and the contact connections 171 . 172 . 173 . 174 the connection device 140 can be plugged together. It is possible, for example, that the connections 187 in the form of contact pins and the contact terminals 171 . 172 . 173 . 174 in the form of contact sockets or vice versa the connections 187 in the form of contact sockets and the contact terminals 171 . 172 . 173 . 174 are realized in the form of contact pins.

The voltage converter 180 also indicates, as in 4 is shown, two arranged on or inside the housing output-side cable connections 189 for the detachable electrical connection of dashed lines indicated cables 195 on. The connection cables 195 , which can be carried out in a single pole, have for this purpose corresponding, not shown mating connections on a cable end. It may be the same configurations for the cable connections 189 of the voltage converter 180 and the mating connections of the cables 195 be used as described above with regard to the cable connections 161 . 162 the connection device 140 and mating connections of the cables 190 were explained. For details, therefore, reference is made to the above description.

Depending on the design of the voltage converter 180 can the cables 195 Be DC or AC power cable. About the cables 195 can the photovoltaic module 100 be electrically connected to other components. For example, a cable 195 be connected to another photovoltaic module, another cable or a plurality of photovoltaic modules associated inverter (not shown).

To realize the in 4 shown configuration of the photovoltaic module 100 can the voltage transformer 180 at the connection device 140 be arranged so that its connections 187 the contact connections 171 . 172 . 173 . 174 electrically contact, below can be the mechanical fixation of the voltage converter 180 by, for example, pivoting the retaining clip 181 can be realized, and then the cables 195 to the voltage converter 180 be connected. In this configuration of the photovoltaic module 100 can the voltage transformer 180 both for forwarding in the photovoltaic module 100 generated electrical energy, in this case via the voltage converter 180 connected cables 195 , as well as to effect a voltage conversion. For this purpose, the voltage converter 180 in the housing an electrical voltage converter circuit, not shown, which with the input and output side terminals 187 . 189 of the voltage converter 180 connected is.

The voltage converter 180 of the photovoltaic module 100 For example, it may be in the form of a DC-DC converter also called a DC-DC optimizer. In this way, a the voltage converter 180 supplied direct current can be converted into another direct current, and the photovoltaic module 100 thus operated to provide DC power. Here come DC cables 195 for use.

The voltage converter 180 of the photovoltaic module 100 may alternatively be in the form of an inverter, also called module inverter or DC-AC inverter implemented. In this design, the voltage converter 180 convert a direct current supplied to it into an alternating current, and can the photovoltaic module 100 consequently be used to provide AC power. For example, for Europe, an alternating current or an alternating voltage with an effective value of the voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz, and for the USA with an effective value of the voltage of 120V and a frequency of 60Hz can be provided. Here come AC power cables 195 for use.

As explained above, the contact terminals are 171 . 172 . 173 . 174 the connection device 140 in pairs with one of the three substrings 115 of the photovoltaic module 100 electrically connected. This therefore applies in the same way for the contact terminals 171 . 172 . 173 . 174 contacting terminals 187 of the inverter 180 , This makes it possible for those in the individual substrings 115 of the photovoltaic module 100 generated electrical energy to the voltage converter 180 to be supplied separately, and each substring 115 with the help of the voltage converter 180 to operate at the optimum operating point.

It is possible to realize a photovoltaic system, which several in series or in parallel and each with a DC-DC converter 180 equipped photovoltaic modules 100 includes. The photovoltaic system in which the photovoltaic modules 100 can be arranged in the form of a strand, can also be a photovoltaic modules 100 having associated inverter (not shown). Here, the photovoltaic modules 100 with the help of DC-DC converter 180 each operated at the optimum operating point, even if, for example, a partial shading of one or more photovoltaic modules 100 is present.

It is also possible to build a photovoltaic system, which several in series or in parallel and each with an inverter 180 equipped photovoltaic modules 100 has (not shown). In this embodiment, each photovoltaic module 100 individually and independently of the other photovoltaic modules 100 operate.

With respect to the mechanical fixation of the voltage converter explained above 180 at the connection device 140 may additionally or alternatively to the configuration of the voltage converter 180 with the in 1 indicated retaining bracket 181 further embodiments come into consideration. It is conceivable, for example, the voltage transformer 180 and the connection device 140 with mutually corresponding locking elements for releasably locking the voltage converter 180 at the connection device 140 train.

A possible in this sense embodiment is fragmentary in 5 shown. Here are the guide elements 141 of the connection device 140 Latching noses or grid elevations 145 on. The voltage converter 180 or whose housing has corresponding recesses for this purpose 185 into which the grid elevations 145 the guide elements 141 when arranging the voltage converter 180 at the connection device 140 can intervene.

In a further embodiment, not shown, the guide elements 141 the connection device 140 Have recesses. The voltage converter 180 can be formed with corresponding grid elevations.

The voltage converter 180 and / or the connection device 140 may also be configured to releasably attach a fastener such as at least one screw to the voltage converter 180 secure mechanically (not shown).

The embodiments explained with reference to the figures represent preferred or exemplary embodiments of the invention. In addition to the illustrated and described embodiments, further embodiments are conceivable which may comprise further modifications and / or combinations of features.

It is possible, for example, a photovoltaic module 100 with other numbers of components and components. This can be done, for example, on solar cells 110 , Substrings 115 , Fasteners 130 , as well as with respect to a connection device 140 on bypass diodes 155 and contact connections for a voltage converter 180 hold true. In the same way, a voltage converter 180 other numbers of input connections 187 exhibit.

Another possible embodiment is a voltage converter 180 in such a way that to the voltage converter 180 instead of the single-pole cable 195 a multi-pole or two-pole cable can be connected. In this embodiment, the voltage converter 180 an adapted on the output side cable connection.

It is also possible to use a voltage transformer 180 with at least one pre-assembled or fixed to the voltage converter 180 connected cables.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

 photovoltaic module

105

 frame

110

 solar cell

115

 substring

120

 connecting structure

130

 connecting element

140

 connection device

141

 guide element

145

 Rast collection

150

 management

155

 Bypass diode

161

 cable

162

 cable

169

 protection element

171

 Contact Termination

172

 Contact Termination

173

 Contact Termination

174

 Contact Termination

179

 protection element

180

 DC converter

181

 headband

185

 recess

187

 connection

189

 cable

190

 electric wire

195

 electric wire

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 2008/0283118 A1 [0004, 0004]

Claims (9)

Photovoltaic module ( 100 ), comprising a plurality of solar cells ( 110 ) for generating electrical energy and a connection device ( 140 ), to which cables ( 190 ) and optionally a voltage converter ( 180 ) are connectable, wherein the connecting device ( 140 ) at least one bypass diode ( 155 ), by means of which at least a part of the solar cells ( 110 ) is bridgeable, and wherein the connecting device ( 140 ) Cable connections ( 161 . 162 ) for connecting the cables ( 190 ) and contact connections ( 171 . 172 . 173 . 174 ) for connecting the voltage converter ( 180 ), so that the electrical energy via the to the connecting device ( 140 ) connected cables ( 190 ) or via the to the connecting device ( 140 ) connected voltage transformers ( 180 ) is forwarded. Photovoltaic module according to claim 1, with which the connection device ( 140 ) connected voltage transformers ( 180 ). Photovoltaic module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the voltage converter ( 180 ) one of the following is: a DC-DC converter; or an inverter. Photovoltaic module according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a protective element ( 169 . 179 ) for covering at least one unused cable connection ( 161 . 162 ) or contact connection ( 171 . 172 . 173 . 174 ). Photovoltaic module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting device ( 140 ) at least one guide element ( 141 ) for arranging the voltage converter ( 180 ) on the connection device ( 140 ) having. Photovoltaic module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the voltage converter ( 180 ) and / or the connection device ( 140 ) for the mechanical fixation of the voltage converter ( 180 ) on the connection device ( 140 ) are formed. Photovoltaic module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the photovoltaic module has a plurality of partial strings ( 115 ) from series-connected solar cells ( 110 ), and wherein the connecting device ( 140 ) several and one each of the substrings ( 115 ) associated bypass diodes ( 155 ), so that the respective substrings ( 115 ) are bridgeable. Photovoltaic module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the photovoltaic module has a plurality of partial strings ( 115 ) from series-connected solar cells ( 110 ), and wherein the contact terminals ( 171 . 172 . 173 . 174 ) in pairs with one of the substrings ( 115 ) are electrically connected. Photovoltaic module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the photovoltaic module has three partial strings ( 115 ) from series-connected solar cells ( 110 ), and wherein the connecting device ( 140 ) three and one each of the substrings ( 115 ) associated bypass diodes ( 155 ) and four contact connections ( 171 . 172 . 173 . 174 ) having.

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