JPH1140836A - Solar cell power supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To restrain a magnetic moment generated in a solar cell panel by a low-cost and lightweight structure by a method wherein a continuity path is provided in the rear of the panel, so as to enable a current which is generated in a large number of solar cells to be supplied to a load to flow therethrough in a direction opposite to the direction in which a current flows through the solar cells. SOLUTION: When solar cells 4 are irradiated with sunlight to generate an electric power, a current flows through each solar cell module 7 from a cathode end to an anode end via an intermediate tap to from a current loop. On the other hand, a current flows through a wiring material 21 bonded to the underside of the solar cell module 7 from an anode end to a cathode end, via an intermediate tap to form a current loop. By this setup, magnetic moments generated by a current loop formed by a current which flows through the solar cell module 7 and another current loop formed by a current which flows through the wiring material 21 bonded to the underside of the above solar cell module 7 are canceled with each other, and as a result a magnetic moment can be almost completely restrained from being generated.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a solar cell power supply for controlling electric power supplied from a solar cell for converting solar energy to electric energy to a load, and more particularly to a power supply for a spacecraft such as an artificial satellite. The present invention relates to a solar cell power supply device suitable for use as a power supply.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a power supply device for a flying object such as an artificial satellite in outer space, a solar cell for converting sunlight energy into electric energy has been used. In this solar cell, a large number of solar cells are arranged vertically and horizontally on a panel to form a solar cell panel, and each solar cell is connected in series by a predetermined number to form a plurality of solar cell modules. , And each solar cell module is connected to a load to form a loop circuit. Accordingly, when each solar cell is irradiated with sunlight to generate electric power, current flows through each loop circuit, and a current loop is formed. The magnetic moment generated by this current loop may adversely affect the operation of the equipment mounted on the satellite. For example, when measuring the magnetic field distribution and the like of the earth and other planets with a scientific satellite, the magnetic moment has a great effect on the measurement accuracy.

Therefore, in order to suppress the generation of such a magnetic moment, in a conventional solar cell power supply of this type, the number of loop circuits formed is reduced by devising a method of mounting solar cells. The magnetic moments generated by the current loops formed by the respective loop circuits of the adjacent solar cell modules are made as small as possible or cancel each other's magnetic moments.
However, in this method, it has been impossible to completely eliminate the magnetic moment due to variations in the output characteristics of the solar battery cells and the shape of the solar battery panel.

Accordingly, the applicant of the present invention has disclosed Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
No. 57 has previously proposed a solar cell power supply.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a main part of a solar cell panel of the solar cell power supply device disclosed in the publication, FIG. 5 is a front view showing a mounting state of solar cells of the solar cell panel,
FIG. 6 is a perspective view from the front side showing a mounted state of a printed circuit and wiring members of the solar cell panel. In this solar cell power supply device, a printed circuit 2 having a predetermined pattern formed on the surface of a panel (substrate) 1 having a honeycomb structure is adhered with an adhesive 3, and a large number of solar cells are attached to the surface of the printed circuit 2. The battery cells 4 are arranged vertically and horizontally at predetermined intervals, and are adhered with an adhesive 5 to form a solar cell panel. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the solar cells 4 are electrically connected in series by a predetermined number of conductive connection fittings 6 to form a solar cell module 7.

One end of each solar cell module 7 has a positive electrode end ((+) in FIG. 5), the other end has a negative electrode end ((−) in FIG. 5), and a substantially central portion has an intermediate tap (FIG. 5). (C)), as shown in FIG. 4, a wiring member 8 is connected, and the wiring member 8 extends through a through hole 9 penetrating the panel 1 in the thickness direction to the rear surface side of the panel 1. It is extended and adhered to the back surface of the panel 1 with an adhesive 10. As shown in FIG. 6, the wiring member 8 connected to the positive terminal, the negative terminal, and the intermediate tap of each solar cell module 7 has a panel 1 of each intermediate tap.
They are gathered on the back side, extend to the lower right in the figure, and are electrically connected to corresponding conductive fittings of a connector (not shown). Thereby, each solar cell module 7 is connected to the corresponding load in the artificial satellite via the corresponding conductive metal fitting of the connector, thereby forming a loop circuit. Note that the intermediate tap is connected to a shunt circuit for controlling the output power of the solar cell panel.

Therefore, when each solar cell 4 is irradiated with sunlight to generate electric power, a current is applied to each solar cell module 7 from the negative terminal through the intermediate tap as shown by the arrow in FIG. Since the current flows to the extreme extreme and is further supplied to the corresponding load via the wiring member 8 and the connector, a current loop is formed in each loop circuit. This current loop generates a magnetic moment. Therefore,
As shown by arrows in FIG. 6, a pattern is formed on the printed circuit 2 provided below each of the solar cell modules 7 so that a current flows in a direction opposite to a current flowing through each of the solar cell modules 7. , From a current source (not shown). As a result, the current loop flowing through each solar cell module 7 and the current loop flowing through the pattern of the corresponding printed circuit 2 cancel out the magnetic moments generated in each of them, and as a result, the generation of the magnetic moment is almost completely eliminated. Can be suppressed.

[0007]

In the above-described conventional solar cell power supply, the printed circuit 2 is used to suppress the generation of a magnetic moment. The weight of the adhesive 3 increases accordingly. For example, the generated power is about 600
In the case of the W class paddle type solar cell power supply, the total weight of the printed circuit 2 and the adhesive 3 is about 900 g / m ² . Therefore, like small scientific satellites and planetary probes,
It cannot be adopted when the weight is severely restricted.

Further, in the above-described conventional solar cell power supply device, the design and manufacturing cost of the printed circuit 2 and the adhesive 3
Cost and the number of steps for attaching the printed circuit 2 to the panel 1 with the adhesive 3, there is a problem that the manufacturing cost of the solar cell power supply increases. First, the printed circuit used for general electronic devices mounted on artificial satellites and the like is at most about 20 cm square, while the one mounted on panel 1 is the smallest. However, the size is 1 m square. For this reason, a special device is required for manufacturing a printed circuit, which causes an increase in cost. Further, since a large-sized printed circuit must be bonded to the panel 1 so that air bubbles do not enter, the number of working steps and the cost of manufacturing a special jig increase.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a solar battery power supply device capable of suppressing a magnetic moment generated in a solar battery panel with an inexpensive and lightweight configuration.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a solar cell power supply device comprising: a plurality of solar cells arranged on a surface of a panel and electrically connected to each other; Battery cells, provided on the back of the panel, so that the current to be supplied to the load generated by the plurality of solar cells flows in a direction opposite to the direction of the current flowing through the plurality of solar cells. And a wired conductive path.

A solar cell power supply according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of solar cells arranged on the surface of a panel and electrically connected in series by a predetermined number to form a plurality of solar cell modules. A battery cell and a current to be supplied to a load generated in a predetermined number of solar cells constituting the solar cell module, the current being provided at a position corresponding to each solar cell module on the back surface of the panel, And a twisted conductive path is provided for each corresponding solar cell module.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The description will be specifically made using an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a main part of a solar cell panel of a solar cell power supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating a mounting state of solar cells of the solar cell panel. FIG. 3 is a perspective view from the front side showing the mounting state of the wiring member of the solar cell panel. In these figures, parts corresponding to the respective parts in FIGS. 4 to 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. The major difference between the solar cell power supply device shown in these figures and the prior art (the one shown in FIGS. And the adhesive 22 is newly provided.

That is, in this solar cell power supply,
A large number of solar cells 4 are arranged vertically and horizontally at predetermined intervals on the surface of the panel 1 and are directly adhered to the surface of the panel 1 with an adhesive 5 to constitute a solar cell panel. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, it is the same as the conventional one in that a predetermined number of solar cells 4 are electrically connected in series by a conductive connection fitting 6 to form a solar cell module 7. The positive terminal ((+) in FIG. 2), the negative terminal ((-) in FIG. 2), and the intermediate tap ((C) in FIG. 1) of each solar cell module 7 are as shown in FIG. The wiring member 21 is extended to the rear surface side of the panel 1 through the through hole 9 penetrating the panel 1 in the thickness direction. Wiring material 21
Indicates that each solar cell module 7
The direction of the current flowing through the solar cell module 7
That is, the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 2 from the negative electrode end to the positive electrode end via the intermediate tap, that is, from the back surface of the positive electrode end to the negative electrode back surface via the intermediate tap back surface indicated by the arrow in FIG. It is wired so as to flow and is adhered to the back surface of panel 1 with adhesive 22. The wiring member 21 is formed as shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, for each corresponding solar cell module 7, connectors are assembled on the back side of the panel 1 of each intermediate tap, twisted so as not to form a current loop, and extended to the lower right in the figure and not shown. Are electrically connected to the corresponding conductive fittings. Thereby, each solar cell module 7 is connected to the corresponding load in the artificial satellite via the corresponding conductive metal fitting of the connector, thereby forming a loop circuit.

Next, the operation of the solar cell power supply device having the above configuration will be described. When electric power is generated by irradiating each solar cell 4 with sunlight, a current flows through each solar cell module 7 from the negative terminal to the positive terminal through the intermediate tap, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. A current loop is formed.
On the other hand, in the wiring member 21 bonded to the lower part of each solar cell module 7, a current flows from the positive terminal to the negative terminal via the intermediate tap as shown by the arrow in FIG. 3, and a current loop is formed. As a result, the current loop flowing through each solar cell module 7 and the current loop flowing through the wiring member 21 adhered to the lower portion of the solar cell module 7 cancel out the magnetic moments generated in each of the current loops. The generation of the moment is almost completely suppressed.

As described above, according to the configuration of this embodiment,
The wiring member 21 has a function of supplying the current generated by each solar cell 4 of the solar cell module 7 to a corresponding load in the artificial satellite, similarly to the conventional wiring member 8, and has a function similar to that of the conventional printed circuit 2. A current loop formed by a current flowing through each solar cell module 7 by flowing a current in a direction opposite to a direction in which a current generated by each solar cell 4 flows through each solar cell module 7 under the solar cell module 7 And a function of generating a magnetic moment for canceling the magnetic moment generated by the magnetic field, so that the generation of the magnetic moment can be minimized.

In the configuration of this embodiment, a magnetic moment is generated in the direction of the panel 1, but the thickness of the panel used for a small scientific satellite, a planetary explorer or the like is several mm.
Since it is as thin as possible, the absolute value of the magnetic moment is small and there is no problem in observation. As an example, when the configuration of this example is applied to a paddle-type solar cell power supply device with a generated power of 600 W class, the DC magnetic field strength due to the magnetic moment is about −16 dBpT (0.16 pT). Even if the generated power increases, the panel thickness does not need to be changed by responding by increasing the number of panels,
The DC magnetic field strength hardly changes.

Further, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the length of the wiring member 21 is slightly longer, but compared with the case where the printed circuit 2 is employed, the printed circuit 2 itself and the adhesive for mounting the same are mounted. The agent 3 is not required, so that the weight and cost can be significantly reduced, and the number of work steps and the cost of a jig for mounting the printed circuit 2 are also unnecessary. As an example, when the configuration of this example is applied to a paddle-type solar cell power supply device with a generated power of 600 W class, the weight reduction amount is about 3.6 kg (the weight of the printed circuit 2 and the adhesive 3) as compared with the related art. −additional weight of wiring material = 4.5 kg−0.9 kg). The greater the generated power of the solar cell device, the greater the weight reduction.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and a design change or the like may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Even if there is, it is included in the present invention.

[0019]

As described above, according to the solar cell power supply of the present invention, the current to be supplied to the load generated by the large number of solar cells is reduced by the current flowing through the large number of solar cells. Since the conductive path is provided on the back surface of the panel so as to flow in the direction opposite to the direction, the magnetic moment generated in the solar cell panel can be suppressed with an inexpensive and lightweight configuration.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a main configuration of a solar cell panel of a solar cell power supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing a mounted state of a solar cell of the solar cell panel.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view from the front side showing a mounted state of a printed circuit and a wiring member of the solar cell panel.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a main configuration of a solar cell panel of a conventional solar cell power supply device.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing a mounted state of the solar cell of the solar cell panel.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view from the front side showing a mounted state of a printed circuit and a wiring member of the solar cell panel.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Panel 4 Solar cell 5,22 Adhesive 6 Conductive connection metal fitting 7 Solar cell module 8,21 Wiring material (conductive path) 9 Through-hole

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of solar cells arranged on a surface of a panel and electrically connected to each other, and provided on a back surface of the panel to supply a load generated by the plurality of solar cells. A solar cell power supply device, comprising: a conductive path wired so that a current to flow flows in a direction opposite to a direction of the current flowing through the plurality of solar cells. 2. A plurality of solar cells arranged on a surface of a panel and electrically connected in series by a predetermined number to constitute a plurality of solar cell modules; and a plurality of solar cell modules on a back surface of the panel. Provided at the corresponding position, so that the current to be supplied to the load generated by the predetermined number of solar cells constituting the solar cell module flows in the direction opposite to the direction of the current flowing through the solar cell module. A solar cell power supply device comprising: a wired, twisted conductive path for each corresponding solar cell module.