Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
  • H01L31/00—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
  • H01L31/04—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof adapted as photovoltaic [PV] conversion devices
  • H01L31/042—PV modules or arrays of single PV cells
  • H01L31/05—Electrical interconnection means between PV cells inside the PV module, e.g. series connection of PV cells
  • H01L31/0504—Electrical interconnection means between PV cells inside the PV module, e.g. series connection of PV cells specially adapted for series or parallel connection of solar cells in a module
  • H01L31/0508—Electrical interconnection means between PV cells inside the PV module, e.g. series connection of PV cells specially adapted for series or parallel connection of solar cells in a module the interconnection means having a particular shape
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
  • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
  • H01R13/73—Means for mounting coupling parts to apparatus or structures, e.g. to a wall
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
  • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
  • H02S40/00—Components or accessories in combination with PV modules, not provided for in groups H02S10/00 - H02S30/00
  • H02S40/30—Electrical components
  • H02S40/36—Electrical components characterised by special electrical interconnection means between two or more PV modules, e.g. electrical module-to-module connection
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
  • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
  • Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy

Definitions

• Photovoltaic module with improved mechanical and electrical connections.
• the present invention relates to a photovoltaic module device.
• the invention also relates to a set of photovoltaic modules.
• a photovoltaic module device 50 known from the prior art is described hereinafter with reference to FIG.
• the photovoltaic module device comprises a photovoltaic module 51 itself, a connection box 52 from which connection cables 53 and 55 come out at the ends of which are connectors 54 and 56.
• module devices 50 With such module devices, it is possible to make an assembly 60 shown in FIG. 2 and in which module devices 50 are connected in series in two loops 62 and 61.
• the module devices are connected to each other via the connection cables 53 and 55 and via the connectors 54 and 56.
• the object of the invention is to provide a photovoltaic module to overcome the problems mentioned above and improve the photovoltaic modules known from the prior art.
• the invention provides a photovoltaic module for a quick, easy, reliable and economical installation of a set of interconnected modules.
• a device according to the invention is defined by claim 1. Different embodiments of the device are defined by claims 2 to 16.
• a connection element according to the invention is defined by claim 18.
• connection element is defined by claims 19 to 20.
• the accompanying drawings show, by way of example, several embodiments of a photovoltaic module according to the invention.
• Figure 1 is a perspective view of a photovoltaic module known from the prior art.
• Figure 2 is a schematic view of a set of photovoltaic modules known from the prior art and interconnected.
• Figure 3 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a photovoltaic module according to the invention.
• Figure 4 is a schematic view of a set of photovoltaic modules according to the invention and interconnected.
• Figures 5 to 7 show the steps of a method of mounting such an assembly, the modules having a first embodiment of connection elements.
• Fig. 8 shows a second embodiment of connection elements.
• Fig. 9 shows a third embodiment of a connection element.
• Fig. 10 shows an embodiment of a photovoltaic module device illustrating a second aspect of the invention.
• a first embodiment of a photovoltaic module device 1 is described below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 5. It comprises a photovoltaic module 4 and an electrical connection element 2 of the first type.
• the first type connection element comprises an electrical connector 24, 25 of the first type, for example a male connector, and a first element 23, 26 of mechanical connection of the photovoltaic module to the electrical connector of the first type.
• mechanical connecting element is meant any rigid or semi-rigid mechanical connection element. The rigidity of this connection is sufficient to allow to plug or snap the first type of electrical connector into a complementary element, such as a second type of electrical connector, without exerting mechanical action directly on the first type electrical connector, preferably, by exerting a mechanical action on the photovoltaic module 4.
• this rigidity is such that under the insertion force of the first and second connectors, the first type connector moves less than 5 mm, preferably less than 2 mm.
• An electric wire or electric cable as known from the prior art does not constitute a mechanical connecting element in the sense of the invention.
• the device also comprises an electrical connection element 3 of the second type comprising an electrical connector 34, 35 of the second type, for example a female connector, and a second element 33, 36 for mechanically connecting the photovoltaic module to the electrical connector of the second type.
• the first type electrical connection element is arranged so that it can cooperate by plugging with a second type electrical connection element of a first other adjacent photovoltaic module device.
• the second type of electrical connection element 3 is arranged so as to cooperate by plugging with a first type electrical connection element of a second other adjacent photovoltaic module device.
• the electrical connection elements of the first type and / or second type are preferably arranged at an edge 5, 6, 7 of the photovoltaic module. They can be arranged on the same face of a photovoltaic module or on different sides of a photovoltaic module.
• the first type electrical connection element and the second type electrical connection element are aligned along an axis parallel to the length of the photovoltaic module.
• Such modules allow the assembly of a line of module devices in a set 70 of several photovoltaic module devices.
• the first type electrical connection element 2 and the element 3 of the second type of electrical connection are arranged on two adjacent sides of the photovoltaic module.
• Such modules allow the assembly of module devices to form an angle in the assembly 70 of several photovoltaic module devices.
• connection element 2 of the first type comprises a first type electrical connector 24, 25, a first element 23, 26 for mechanical connection of the photovoltaic module 4 to the first type electrical connector 24, 25.
• the mechanical connection element comprises a first guide member 26 and a stop 23.
• the first type connector comprises a body 24 and a head 25.
• the guide member 26 guides the first type connector via the body of the latter.
• the guide element consists of a flexible element such as a diaphragm in the opening of which the body 24 of the first type connector.
• the guide member guides the first type connector in a direction 29 while allowing some swiveling around this direction.
• the first mechanical connection element of the photovoltaic module to the electrical connector of the first type is advantageously a mechanical connection element allowing at least a certain degree of freedom of movement of the electrical connector of the first type with respect to the photovoltaic module.
• the six degrees of freedom are possible within a certain limit, that is to say that the amplitude of each degree of freedom is limited.
• the amplitudes of displacements possible translation between the first type electrical connector and the photovoltaic module are not necessarily the same in all directions.
• the amplitudes of displacements on the plane parallel to the surface of the modules in X and Y will be 0.5 mm while on the perpendicular axis Z it will be able to be satisfied with 0.1 mm.
• the amplitudes of the possible rotational displacements between the first type electrical connector and the photovoltaic module are not necessarily the same in all directions.
• the magnitudes of rotations can be 1 ° along the X, Y and 0.5 ° axes on the Z axis.
• degrees of freedom of rotation (among the rotation perpendicular to the plane of the module, the rotation parallel to the edge of the module on which the connection element is mounted and the rotation perpendicular to the edge of the module on which the connection element is mounted) may be allowed. Any combination of free degrees of freedom is possible.
• the first mechanical connection element may comprise a return element in a rest position of the first type electrical connector relative to the photovoltaic module.
• the return element makes it possible to recall in a rest position relative to each degree of freedom for which mobility exists.
• the intensities of the recall efforts may be different for different degrees of freedom.
• the intensity of the return force increases with the distance from the current position of the electrical connector relative to the rest position.
• the first type connector is electrically connected, for example at its body, to an electrical cable 22 connection connected to another of these ends to a connection or a terminal 21 provided on the photovoltaic module.
• the second type connection element 3 has the same structure as the first type connection element.
• the elements of the second type connector performing the same function as the elements of the first type connector have numbers of the units of the same reference numerals.
• the only structural difference between the first type connection element and the second type connection element relates to the connector which is first type for the first type connection element and which is of second type for the element second type of connection. Any combination of free degrees of freedom is therefore also possible.
• the structure of the second type connection element also differs from the structure of the first type connection element in that it comprises a second mechanical connection element of the second type connection element.
• photovoltaic module to the electrical connector of the second type which advantageously does not allow all the same degrees of freedom of movement of the electrical connector of the second type with respect to the photovoltaic module as those authorized from the electrical connector of the first type with respect to the photovoltaic module.
• the second mechanical connecting element can provide a rigid attachment of the second type connector to the photovoltaic module.
• the rigid attachment can be provided for one or more directions only according to which the first mechanical connecting element allows a degree of freedom.
• the first type connector can also be a female connector and the second type connector, a male connector.
• connection elements are in contact and a mechanical action is applied to insert the connection elements. This causes the connectors to move relative to the modules. This action (and its reaction) are represented by arrows 27 and 37.
• the connectors of the first type and of the second type come into contact with stops 23 and 33.
• the action (and the reaction) is maintained until the first and second connectors are plugged in. of second type.
• the connectors are to some extent released from the guide elements and they can move relative to the photovoltaic modules with greater freedom.
• relative movements of the photovoltaic modules with respect to others which may be due to wind and / or expansion, are possible.
• connection element according to the invention A second embodiment of a connection element according to the invention and a photovoltaic module according to the invention is described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 8.
• connection elements 2 ', 3' differ only from the connection elements previously described in that the mechanical connection elements comprise one or more springs 12, 13.
• the mechanical connection elements allow to ensure a correct plugging of the connectors without intervention of an operator directly at these and to ensure a possible displacement of the connectors relative to the photovoltaic modules to a certain extent.
• connection element according to the invention and a photovoltaic module according to the invention is described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 9.
• connection element 2 the physical structure of the connection element 2 "is quite different from the previous ones.
• the mechanical connection element comprises an envelope 203 of determined rigidity surrounding a conductor 201 to which the first type connector is connected.
• An electrical insulating layer 202 is inserted between the conductor 201 and the envelope This envelope is also fixed to the photovoltaic module.
• the mechanical connection element here the envelope, ensures proper plugging of the connectors without intervention of an operator directly at the level of these and to ensure a possible displacement of the connectors relative to the photovoltaic modules in a certain extent. This is allowed by a determination and an embodiment of a jacket 203 of suitable rigidity.
• connection element ensures both the electrical connection of the connector to the photovoltaic module and the mechanical connection of the connector to the photovoltaic module.
• the photovoltaic module comprises a photovoltaic cell, in particular several photovoltaic cells. It can include between 60 and 72 photovoltaic cells.
• the photovoltaic module device further comprises a mechanical fastening element for mechanical attachment to another adjacent photovoltaic module device.
• the mechanical fastening element is independent of the electrical connection element.
• independent it is understood that the elements are not located in the same places on the photovoltaic module device and / or that they do not share a common element and / or that no electrical connection function is ensured. by the mechanical fastening element and / or that no mechanical fastening function is provided by the electrical connection element.
• the photovoltaic module device 1 has elements 2, 3 of electrical connection adapted to allow its electrical connection to the adjacent panels preferably having the same elements of electrical connection. Connection elements 2 each cooperate with a connection element 3.
• the photovoltaic module device 1 has mechanical fixing elements 200, 300 adapted to allow its mechanical attachment to adjacent panels preferably having the same mechanical fastening elements.
• the fasteners 200 each cooperate with a fastener 300. These fasteners and connecting members are separate or independent.
• four sides of the photovoltaic module device are provided with connecting members to adjacent devices and fasteners to adjacent devices (partially shown in unassembled configuration in Fig. 10).
• a frame 8 makes it possible to respond to mechanical and electrical problems.
• the frame 8 incorporates fastening elements 200, 300 for mechanically linking the module devices to each other.
• the mounting of the module devices is by this configuration greatly facilitated.
• Module assembly dies can even be made at the factory to be set up using a crane truck on site.
• the frame 8 also incorporates connection elements 2, 3 for electrically connecting the module devices to each other. Activation or electrical connection of each module can be carried out after installation on site. This is made possible by the independence existing between the fasteners of the module devices and the electrical connection elements.
• two adjacent devices can be assembled or fixed to each other by moving relatively along the Z axis or substantially along this axis Z. Any other relative movement can also allow this assembly.
• the residual clearance between these modules must for example be greater than 0.01 mm and less than the maximum deflection tolerable by the electrical connection elements between the module devices.
• the mechanical link must withstand the force of the wind.
• the mechanical fasteners and the electrical connections between the module devices must possibly be made on the 4 sides of the devices.
• the solution is based on a management of relative mechanical tolerances between the electrical connector and the mechanical connection of the module.
• the amplitudes of the various degrees of freedom (rotation, translation) of the electrical connections are greater to the amplitudes of the different degrees of freedom of the mechanical fixations.
• the clearance at the mechanical attachment is lower than that at the electrical connection so that there is no mechanical stress at the electrical connection.
• the mechanical fasteners that have to handle the transmission of forces.
• the amplitudes of the various degrees of freedom (rotation, translation) of the electrical connection elements are greater than the amplitudes of the different degrees of freedom of the mechanical fasteners.
• the photovoltaic module device integrates, preferably on each edge of the frame: a mechanical fastening element to an adjacent device, the element allowing, for example, aligning the frames together with a maximum clearance of ⁇ 0.03 mm, and
• connection element to an adjacent device, the connection element for example to ensure good electrical contact without mechanical stresses and despite a possible misalignment between two adjacent devices of maximum ⁇ 0.5 mm.
• the mechanical fasteners collect all the mechanical forces due to differential expansion, wind. These elements may in particular be constituted by screw systems or by spring ball lock. Preferably, fastenings are made by releasably clipping the devices onto each other.
• the disassembly effort must be greater than the usual forces experienced by the devices during assembly, during expansion and under the effects of wind. Nevertheless, the disassembly effort must remain reasonable to allow an operator to easily perform maintenance operations requiring disassembly.
• An embodiment of electrical connection elements can be made male side by a simple cylindrical shaft and female side by cuts in a conductive blade.
• the blade may comprise a circular cutout of diameter slightly less than that of the shaft and radial cuts extending from the circular cut. The tree can thus enter the cut and deform the blade around it. This deformation is the consequence of a contact that is assured.
• the mechanical fasteners are positioned in the corners of the module device, particularly in the corners of the frame. It is thus possible to improve the positioning of the devices to each other. With this second aspect of the invention, the pose can be simplified by transferring the stresses to the mechanical fastening elements. This improves the installation tolerance.
• the mechanical tolerance of all the assembled devices thus refers to a support type roof and chassis.
• the frame is molded in one piece, see directly molded around the photovoltaic module 4.
• the materials used for this molding are preferably made of plastic, electrically insulating, with excellent durability to UV (ultra-violet) , at the temperature (negative -60 ° C for example and positive + 125 ° C for example). It is conceivable to make the frame in extruded profiles type PVC, to reduce the cost and complexity of manufacture. These techniques are based on PVC window manufacturing methods. Polyurethane, Polypropylene, ABS, POM or other plastics that meet the performance and cost requirements can also be used. The use of metal parts such as steel, aluminum or zinc is also possible. These materials meet the requirements for fire reaction, fire resistance (class MO or M1, NFP92-50X) and electrical hazards.

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• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Sustainable Development (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Condensed Matter Physics & Semiconductors (AREA)
• Electromagnetism (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
• Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
• Power Engineering (AREA)
• Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)

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• 2011
  • 2011-09-01 FR FR1157735A patent/FR2979754B1/fr not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 2012
  • 2012-08-31 WO PCT/EP2012/067037 patent/WO2013030383A1/fr active Application Filing
  • 2012-08-31 EP EP12758433.2A patent/EP2751851A1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2012-08-31 US US14/342,435 patent/US9806214B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2012-08-31 KR KR1020147008230A patent/KR20140060553A/ko not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2012-08-31 JP JP2014527687A patent/JP6441074B2/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2012-08-31 CN CN201280050301.4A patent/CN103891132B/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related

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