WO2012167263A1 - Cadre modulaire solaire, système et procédé de câblage - Google Patents

Cadre modulaire solaire, système et procédé de câblage Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012167263A1
WO2012167263A1 PCT/US2012/040762 US2012040762W WO2012167263A1 WO 2012167263 A1 WO2012167263 A1 WO 2012167263A1 US 2012040762 W US2012040762 W US 2012040762W WO 2012167263 A1 WO2012167263 A1 WO 2012167263A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
frame member
connector
frame
coupler
electrical
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2012/040762
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Barry Cinnamon
David Baker
Wilson W. Leong
Alexander W. Au
Original Assignee
Andalay Solar, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Andalay Solar, Inc. filed Critical Andalay Solar, Inc.
Publication of WO2012167263A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012167263A1/fr

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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
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/20—Peripheral frames for modules
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/65—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for coupling adjacent supporting elements, e.g. for connecting profiles together
    • 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
    • H01L31/02—Details
    • H01L31/02002—Arrangements for conducting electric current to or from the device in operations
    • H01L31/02005—Arrangements for conducting electric current to or from the device in operations for device characterised by at least one potential jump barrier or surface barrier
    • H01L31/02008—Arrangements for conducting electric current to or from the device in operations for device characterised by at least one potential jump barrier or surface barrier for solar cells or solar cell modules
    • H01L31/02013—Arrangements for conducting electric current to or from the device in operations for device characterised by at least one potential jump barrier or surface barrier for solar cells or solar cell modules comprising output lead wires elements
    • 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
    • H02S30/00—Structural details of PV modules other than those related to light conversion
    • H02S30/10—Frame structures
    • 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
    • Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
    • Y02E10/47—Mountings or tracking
    • 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

  • the disclosure relates generally to solar panels and more particularly to a frame and wiring system and method for a solar panel.
  • Solar electric systems are the most environmentally friendly way of generating electricity.
  • a solar panel which comprises a plurality of solar modules, which are coupled together.
  • the solar panels are typically assembled directly on the roof of a building, assembled on the ground and then mounted on a roof of a bu ilding, or installed on a dedicated ground or pole mounted frame.
  • FIG. I illustrates a conventional solar panel assembly 10.
  • the solar panel has three solar modules, 12A-12C,
  • Each of the solar panel modules 12A-12C includes a junction box 14A-14C which receives cables 16, which are applied in serial fashion from one module to the next. Also included within each of these modules 12A-12C is an electrical ground wire assembly 18, which is used to ground the modules and the underlying frame at the appropriate points. In addition, each of the modules includes extra wiring from nearby modules that must be wrapped and tied down in between, as shown at 20A and 20B to ensure that the wires do not get damaged.
  • These conventional solar panels also have a grounding screw bolt for the solar panel, wherein the screw/bolt assembly 22 must be provided in several places and attaches the ground wire assembly 18 to each piece of equipment in the assembly at least once, in this case
  • the conventional solar panel also have two metal rails 24 that extend in parallel with and along the length of the solar modules 12A-12C. These rails form the underlying support structure for the solar modules and are attached to the roof so that the entire solar panel can be mounted in a single rigid geometric plane on the roof, thereby improving the durability and aesthetics of the installation. In some cases the rails are mounted to the roof first (attached to the roof with L shaped brackets 26 and lag bolts to the underlying rafters), and then the modules are attached to the rails with bolt-fastened clips.
  • the rails are attached to the modules first (in this case with hex nuts and bolts or in other cases clips), and then the entire module-rail assembly (or panel) is attached to the roof with L shaped brackets 26 and lag bolts to the underlying rafters.
  • These rails 24 are also electrically grounded as indicated above.
  • the panel For ventilation and drainage purposes, it is beneficial to mount the panel above the roof with a small air gap between the roof surface and underside of the modules and rails. For wiring and grounding purposes for roof-assembled panels, it is beneficial to have access below the modules so that wires can be connected and tied. For single geometric plan purposes, it is beneficial to provide some vertical adjustability of the mounting point to account for variability (waviness) in roof surfaces.
  • the roof mounting bracket (whether it is an L shaped bracket or different design) generally provides some vertical adjustability (typically 1-3 inches).
  • roof attachments must be made to a secure underlying surface, generally a rafter. These rafters may not be consistently spaced. Therefore, the mounting rails typically include some kind of adjustable groove so that the mounting point from the rail to the roof attachment (L bracket) can be directly over a secure mounting point—wherever this point may be.
  • the conventional solar panel 10 requires many individual operations to construct and mount in order to provide a reliable and high performance solar electric system and mounting on uneven roof surfaces requires many small parts and adjustments. Making sure there is airflow and drainage requires the panel to be raised off the roof slightly, but aesthetic considerations require the panel to be close to the roof. Each module in the panel must be wired together, extra wiring must be tucked away securely, and every conductive component must be electrically grounded. All the required parts and steps increase the cost of the system, which ultimately negatively affects the payback of the system.
  • a solar module which is more self contained, including all the mounting and wiring hardware, without requiring all of the individual operations, minimizing the number of electrical grounding steps required, and minimizing the amount of wiring and cables that need to be managed.
  • the system should be one that minimizes the number of parts and tools that an installer would need to assemble and install the panel. It is also desirable to provide a solar module that does not require the rails, but has sufficient rigidity. It is also desirable to provide a system in which the wiring can be easily and securely installed and the wire is protected to prevent damage during installation. It is to these ends that the disclosure is directed.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a convention solar panel with multiple solar modules
  • Figure 2A and 2B illustrates a partially assembled and fully assembled solar module frame, respectively
  • Figures 3-5 illustrate details of the first frame member of the solar module frame
  • FIGS 6-7 illustrate details of the second frame member of the solar module frame
  • FIGS 8A and 8B illustrate details of the coupler of the solar module frame
  • Figure 8C illustrates the coupler interacting with a feature in the first frame member to secure the first frame member
  • Figures 9 and 10 illustrate a wiring system for the solar module frame in which the wires are protected and cannot be squeezed between the frame and the roof or another mounting component;
  • FIG 11 illustrates an example of the clip that is part of the wiring system shown in Figures 9-10;
  • Figure 12 illustrates an assembled solar module frame with a cable and wiring system installed
  • Figures 13A and 13B illustrate an electrical connector integrated into the frame of the solar module
  • Figures 13C1-13C5 are a perspective view, top view, right view, front view and front view, respectively, of the electrical connector shown in Figures 13A and 13B;
  • Figures 14 and 15 illustrate another embodiment of the connector holder and connector of an electrical connector
  • Figure 16A-E are a perspective view, a right view, a front view, a left view and a end view, respectively, of another embodiment of a female electrical connector;
  • Figures 17A-E are a perspective view, a right view, a front view, a left view and a end view, respectively, of another embodiment of a male electrical connector that can be used with the female connector of Figures 16A-16E;
  • Figures 18A and 18B are a side view and a sectional view along line A-A, respectively, of the female connector of Figures 16A-E in an retracted position;
  • Figures 19A and 19B are a side view and a sectional view along line A-A, respectively, of the female connector of Figures 16A-E in an install position.
  • the disclosure is particularly applicable to the solar module frame and wiring system and method described below and it is in this context that the disclosure will be described. It will be appreciated, however, that the system and method has greater utility since the frame members, the coupling and the wiring method can be modified from the solar module frame and wiring system and method described below and those modifications would be within the scope of the disclosure since the particular solar module frame and wiring system and method described below are only examples.
  • Figure 2A and 2B illustrates a partially assembled and fully assembled frame 54, respectively, that surround a panel 52.
  • the panel may be a photovoltaic panel, a thermal solar panel or any other panel that is exposed to electromagnetic radiation, such as light, and generates energy as a result of the exposure to the electromagnetic radiation.
  • the frame 54 may have one or more frame members that, when coupled to each other by a coupler 100, surround the panel, protect the panel from damage and provide rigidity for the panel.
  • the frame also may provide a more efficient wiring scheme for the panel as described below.
  • the frame may have a set of first frame members 54a, 54b and a set of second frame members 54c, 54d wherein each of the first frame members are located on opposite sides of the panel (such as a north side and a south side as shown in Figures 2A and 2B) and each of the second frame members are located on different opposite sides of the panel (such as a west side and an east side as shown in Figure 2A and 2B).
  • first frame members are located on opposite sides of the panel
  • second frame members are located on different opposite sides of the panel (such as a west side and an east side as shown in Figure 2A and 2B).
  • the frame members 54a-54d are coupled together using four couplers 100, as described below, they form a rectangular frame that surrounds the panel 52.
  • the frame 54 may have other
  • FIG. 1 shows the frame 54 that has been assembled around the panel 52 with the couplers 100, at each corner, connecting the frame members together.
  • Figures 3-5 illustrate details of the first frame member 54a, 54b of the solar module frame 54.
  • Each first frame member 54a, 54b may be made of a lightweight material with sufficient strength to provide the required rigidity to the panel to meet U.S. and international wind load and snow load requirements.
  • the first frame member may be made out of aluminum, polymer steel and other lightweight metallic materials.
  • Each first frame member may have a channel 60 on the inside of the first frame member (when the frame members are coupled together to form the frame) into which the panel is slid during the assembly of the solar module with the frame.
  • each first frame member On the outside of the first frame member (a side opposite from the channel 60), each first frame member has a C-shaped channel 62 into which a securing mechanism (such as a bolt) may be slid so that the securing mechanism can slide along the length of the first frame member.
  • the securing mechanism may be attached, for example, to: 1) a mounting bracket that allows the solar module frame to be secured to a support structure, such as a roof, wherein the mounting bracket can be slide along the length of the first frame member to locate, for example, a rafter, onto which the solar module is secured; 2) a quick release clip that can be used to secure the solar module, but allow for a quick release; and 3) a ground mount for providing a ground for the solar module. Further details of these are described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/859,724 filed on
  • Each first frame member 54a, 54b may also have, on an inside portion of the frame, a coupling member 64, that may, for example, have shape into which a coupler (shown in detail in Figures 8A and 8B) may fit and may interact with the coupler to secure the two frame members together when the connector is tightened as described below in more detail.
  • the coupling member may have a circular shape and the connector may have a similar shape, although the disclosure is not limited to the particular shapes of the coupling member and the connector.
  • the coupling member 64 may have a central region 70 and an end region 72 at each end of the first frame member.
  • Each end region 72 is a portion separated from the central region so that a gap exists between the two into which the second frame member is inserted when the frame is being assembled as described below in more detail.
  • An inside surface 74 of the end region 72 may have an angle so that it is easier to insert the second frame member into the gap.
  • a width, w, of the end region 72 may be approximately equal to the overall width, w 2 , of an internal space in the second frame member (shown In Figure 7) so that the first frame member fits tightly to the second frame member.
  • the actual length of the first frame member depends on the overall length of the panel that is being inserted into the frame and the disclosure is not limited to any particular length of the first frame member.
  • FIGS 6-7 illustrate details of the second frame member of the solar module frame 54c, 54d.
  • Each second frame member 54c, 54d may be made of a lightweight material with sufficient strength to provide the required rigidity to the panel to meet U.S. and international wind load and snow load requirements.
  • the second frame member may be made out of aluminum, polymer steel and other lightweight metallic materials.
  • Each second frame member may have a body portion 80 and, on the outside of the second frame member (when the frame is assembled to that this side is away from the panel), a C-shaped channel 82 into which a securing mechanism (such as a bolt) may be slid so that the securing mechanism can slide along the length of the first frame member.
  • the securing mechanism may be attached to the same elements as described above.
  • Each second frame member 54c, 54d may also have a grounding aperture 84 (which is also present on the first frame member above) into which a grounding device may be inserted in order to ground the frame member.
  • Each second frame member 54c, 54d (located on the sides of the panel 52) may have one or more apertures 1004 into which electrical connectors are positioned as described in more detail below with reference to Figures 13-19.
  • Each second frame member 54c, 54d may also have an aperture 86 (at each end of the second frame member) through which the coupler 100 passes when the first frame members and the second frame members are coupled together.
  • Each second frame member 54c, 54d may also have a notch region 87 at one end of each second frame member 54c, 54d that is part of the wiring system of the frame assembly and is described below in more detail with reference to Figures 9-12.
  • Each second frame member 54c, 54d (as shown in Figure 7) may also have an internal space 88 that has a width, w 2 , which is approximately equal to the width of the end region of the first frame member.
  • Each second frame member also has a set of walls 89 lf 89 2 that each has approximately the same thickness as the gap between the center region and end regions of the first frame member.
  • the actual length of the second frame member depends on the overall width of the panel (assuming that the panel is rectangular and has a width that is shorter than the length) that is being inserted into the frame and the disclosure is not limited to any particular length of the second frame member. To the extent that the panel has a different shape, the second frame member will be as long as the side of the panel that does not fit into the first frame member.
  • Figures 8A and 8B illustrate details of the coupler 100 of the solar module frame that is used to couple together the first and second frame members.
  • the coupler in the exemplary implementation shown in Figures 8A and 8B may have a cylindrical shape.
  • the coupler may also have other shapes to fit into first and second frame members that have different shaped apertures and the coupler is not limited to any particular shape.
  • the coupler may have a securing mechanism 102, such as a set of threads in one embodiment, that interacts with a feature 66 internal to the first frame member and an expanded head region 104 that snugly fits into the aperture 86 of the second frame member when the coupler is tightened so that the head of the coupler is flush with the side of the second frame member.
  • the coupler 100 may also have a channel 106 on opposite sides of the head region (as shown in Figure SB) that allow a person to screw the coupler into the first frame member threads and thus tighten the coupler.
  • the coupler 100 in other embodiments, may have other devices/mechanisms that can be used interact with the first frame member to secure the first frame member and the second frame member together when the coupler 100 is inserted and tightened.
  • the devices/mechanisms may be one of a cam device, a notch, a pin and ridges (instead of the set of threads described above) that interact with the first frame member to secure the first frame member and the second frame member together when the coupler 100 is inserted and tightened.
  • the cam device may be rotated, as the coupler is rotated, to jam against an internal structure of the first frame member to secure the first frame member and the second frame member together when the coupler 100 is inserted and tightened
  • the notch may interact with a shoulder or other raised feature internal to the first frame member to secure the first frame member and the second frame member together when the coupler 100 is inserted and tightened
  • the pin may interact with a notch or other indent internal to the first frame member to secure the first frame member and the second frame member together when the coupler 100 is inserted and tightened
  • the set of ridges may interact with a corresponding set of ridges internal to the first frame member or dig into an internal structure of the first frame member to secure the first frame member and the second frame member together when the coupler 100 is inserted and tightened.
  • the coupler 100 may also have an internal aperture 108 into which a splice (described in detail in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/859,724 filed on September 21, 2007 and entitled
  • the Internal aperture 108 has a set of features that interact with the splice features (such as threads, a cam device and the like) to allow the splice to securely connect the two adjacent assembled solar modules together.
  • Figure 8C illustrates the coupler 100 interacting with a feature 66 in the first frame member 54a, 54b to secure the first frame member to the second frame member as shown in Figures 2A and 2B.
  • the coupling member 64 has a feature/set of features 66 (shown as a set of threads in the described embodiment) that interact with the securing mechanism 102 of the coupler when the coupled is tightened to secure the first and second frame members to each other.
  • the head portion 104 of the coupler is substantially flush with the frame member.
  • a first and second frame members 54a, 54c are fit together as shown in Figure 2A. Then, the coupler 100 is inserted into the second frame member through the aperture 86 into the coupling member 64 of the first frame member. The coupler 100 is tightened (by rotating the coupler in one
  • the panel 52 may be slid into the channel 60, 85 formed by the first and second frame members. See for example, Figure 9 that shows the panel 52 within the channel 60 of the first frame member.
  • the other first frame member in the embodiment in which the panel has a rectangular of square shape
  • the coupler is inserted and tightened.
  • the other second frame member is fit into the other ends of both first frame members and couplers are inserted into each aperture and tightened so that a framed solar module has been completed.
  • Figures 9 and 10 illustrate a wiring system for the solar module frame in which the wires are protected and cannot be squeezed between the frame and the roof or another mounting component.
  • the wires are secured to the frame or the rack of the module.
  • there is no place to attach the wires. The challenge is to route the wires in such a way that the wires do not protrude outside the frame of the module, where the can be damaged during shipping or abraded between the frame of module and roof surface.
  • the second frame member 54c, 54d to protect the wires, has the notch region 87 towards the corner of the frame member that is a wiring pathway when the frame is assembled.
  • the wiring system also may be a clip 120 (with and without protective covering to protect the wire(s)) that secures an electrical conduit 121 (such as a wire/cable) to the corner of the module and below the back (towards the roof) plane of the module.
  • the clip 120 that protects the wire(s) may be made out of plastic or metal.
  • the clip 120 may have a leg portion 122 that presses against the first frame member 54a, 54b , a retaining portion 124 that, when the clip 120 is installed onto the first frame member 54a,b, presses against the channel 62 wall/end and an electrical conduit retaining portion 126 that snaps around the electrical conduit to secure the electrical conduit to the frame.
  • the leg portion 122, retaining portion 124 and electrical conduit retaining portion 126 may each be resilient
  • the leg portion 122 and the retaining portion 124 hold the clip 120 to the frame while the electrical conduit retaining portion 126 retains the electrical conduit to the clip and thus to the frame.
  • Figure 12 illustrates an assembled solar module frame 54a,b and 54c,d with the electrical conduit 121 secured by the clip 120 of the wiring system installed. The wiring system ensures that the electrical conduits are protected and cannot be squeezed between the frame and the roof or another mounting component.
  • Figures 13A and 13B illustrate an electrical connector integrated into the frame of the solar module.
  • Figure 13 A illustrates the set electrical connectors 1000 integrated into a frame member 1002 wherein the set of electrical connector may further comprise one or more apertures 1004 (two are shown in the embodiment in Figure 13 A) into which an electrical connector 1006 and a connector holder 1010 (shown in Figure 13B) may releasably or permanently affixed.
  • Each electrical connector 1006 may have an electrical lead 1008 attached to it.
  • Each pocket 1004 in the frame member 1002 is sized so that the electrical connector 1006 and the connector holder 1010 may be moved laterally, vertically and/or angularly within the pocket and still maintain the electrical connection with the next solar module.
  • the electrical connector 1006 and holder 1010 pass through the frame member 1002 and releasably or permanently affix the electrical connector to the frame member 1002 so that electrical connection between two adjacent solar modules can be made.
  • each solar module there may be a male connector 1006a and a female connector 1006b (as shown in Figure 13B) and the male and female connectors 1106a, 1006b of one solar module electrically mate with the corresponding female and male connectors on an adjacent solar module or with a junction box 121, 12 ⁇ , 121".
  • Each of the male and female connectors have electrical connectors inside them that are electrically connected together when the male and female connectors are connected to each other.
  • Each holder 1010 for the male and female connectors are similar and allow the particular electrical connector to be positioned so that the connectors can be mated with the adjacent solar modules and/or the junction box.
  • FIGS 13C1-13C5 illustrate various views of the electrical connector shown in Figures 13A and 13B.
  • each connector has a notation 1020, such as example + sign that is in the surface of the connector to ensure that the electrical connectors are connected correctly when the solar modules are installed.
  • each solar module may have a positive voltage connector and a negative voltage connector (for AC power) and the notations 1020 ensure that the connectors for adjacent solar modules are connected to each other properly so that the solar modules are electrically connected properly.
  • These figures also show the male connector 1006a with a first embodiment of the connector holder 1010 installed.
  • the connector holder 1010 may be molded as part of the body of the cable connector.
  • Figure 14 illustrate an embodiment of the connector holder 1010.
  • the holder 1010 may be made of a resilient material, such as a plastic or a metal material, etc... and may further comprise a body portion 1010a, a first and second wing portions 1010b, 1010c which is resilient and are biased away from the body portion 1010a.
  • the first and second wing portions lOlQb, 1010c are forced towards the body portion 1010a and then spring back out to hold the connector 1006 in the pocket of the frame member.
  • the holder 1010 may further comprises a first and axial portions 101 Od, lOlOe, that may be biased closed, located at the bottom of the body portion 1010a as shown in Figure 14 that allow the axial position of the connector 1006a (into or out of the holder) to be adjusted wherein the axial portions, when closed, hold the electrical lead 1008.
  • the holder 1010 may further comprise a holder pocket portion 101 Of that provides room to permit the axial location of the connector 1006 (in and out of the holder) to be adjusted.
  • two holders 1010 and connectors 1006a are shown in which the connector 1006a is in a retracted position in one holder/connector assembly shown on the left side of Figure 15 and is in an extended position in the other holder/connector assembly shown on the right side of Figure 15.
  • the axial position of the connector 1006a may be adjusted by compressing the axial portions 1010d, 101 Oe and then adjusting the position of the connector 1006a. Once the proper axial position of the connector 1006 is achieved (when installing the solar modules), the axial portions lOlOd, lOIOe can be released and the connector is held in its desirable axial position.
  • a female and male electrical connector are described.
  • Figure 16A-E are a perspective view, a right view, a front view, a left view and a end view, respectively, of another embodiment of a female electrical connector 1006b that may be connected to the male connector to establish an electrical connection between adjacent solar modules.
  • This embodiment of the female connector has the electrical lead 1008 and the connector holder.
  • the connector holder 1028 is integrated into the electrical connector and has a first and second portions 1028a, 1028b that have a spring effect to secure the electrical connector to the frame using a first and second latching portions 1028e, 1028f as shown in Figure 16A that are located at an end of each first and second portions 1028a, 1028b.
  • each portion 1028a, 1028b may have a u shape.
  • the electrical connector 1006b also has a mating portion 1030 that can be mated with a corresponding mating portion of the male connector as shown in Figures 17A-17E.
  • the electrical connector 1006b also has one or more electrical contacts 1032 that electrically connect to corresponding electrical contacts of the male connector as shown in Figures 17A- 17E.
  • Figures 17A-E are a perspective view, a right view, a front view, a left view and a end view, respectively, of another embodiment of a male electrical connector 1006a that can be used with the female connector 1006b of Figures 17A-1 E to establish an electrical connection between adjacent solar modules.
  • This embodiment of the male connector has the electrical lead 1008 and the connector holder.
  • the connector holder 1028 is integrated into the electrical connector and has a first and second portions 1028a, 1028b that have a spring effect to secure the electrical connector to the frame using a first and second latching portions 1028r, 1028f as shown in Figure 17A that are located at an end of each first and second portions 1028a, 1028b.
  • each portion 1028a, 1028b may have a u shape.
  • the electrical connector 1006b also has the mating portion 1030 and the one or more electrical contacts 1032 that electrically connect to corresponding electrical contacts of the female connector,
  • the female shown in Figures 16A-E may be used with a retractable electrical connector as will now be described in Figures 18A-B and 19A-B.
  • the electrical connector has the capability to retract into the frame of the solar module so that, during shipping and movement of the solar module, any protrusion is eliminated from the panel.
  • the one or more electrical connector(s) are in the retracted position, the electrical connectors cannot be damaged by hitting or getting caught on something outside of the panel during transit. Later, when ready for installation, the connector can be moved into an install position where it protrudes from the panel for interconnection with an adjacent panel.
  • an implementation of the retractable electrical connector is described in more detail.
  • Figures ISA and 18B are a side view and a sectional view along line A-A, respectively, of the female connector of Figures 16A-E in an retracted position and Figures 19A and 19B are a side view and a sectional view along line A-A, respectively, of the female connector of Figures 16A-E in an install position.
  • the female electrical connector has the same elements as described above.
  • the first and second latching portions 1028e, 1028f are attached to a back portion of the frame 1002.

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  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Condensed Matter Physics & Semiconductors (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)
  • Roof Covering Using Slabs Or Stiff Sheets (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un cadre de module solaire, un système et un procédé de câblage.
PCT/US2012/040762 2011-06-03 2012-06-04 Cadre modulaire solaire, système et procédé de câblage WO2012167263A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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US201113152966A 2011-06-03 2011-06-03
US13/152,966 2011-06-03

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WO2012167263A1 true WO2012167263A1 (fr) 2012-12-06

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Citations (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US559924A (en) * 1896-05-12 Island
US2554915A (en) * 1948-07-01 1951-05-29 Aluminum Products Corp Frame and panel construction
US3658596A (en) * 1970-09-21 1972-04-25 Lockheed Missiles Space Flexible solar cell modular assembly
US4012155A (en) * 1975-05-02 1977-03-15 Morris Max O Snap lock connector for components such as knock-down furniture components
US4109564A (en) * 1975-11-19 1978-08-29 Ab Svenska Flaktfabriken Ventilation element with tubular connector for insertion into an opening in a ceiling or a wall
US4766712A (en) * 1982-09-09 1988-08-30 Hale Whitney M Space framing system
US20040140002A1 (en) * 2002-07-05 2004-07-22 Brown Jacob E. Apparatus, system, and method of mechanically coupling photovoltaic modules
US20050123373A1 (en) * 2003-05-20 2005-06-09 Huck International, Inc. Blind fastener and nose assembly for installation of the blind fastener
US20080160819A1 (en) * 2007-01-03 2008-07-03 Tyco Electronics Corporation Connector system for solar cell roofing tiles
US20090078299A1 (en) * 2007-09-21 2009-03-26 Akeena Solar, Inc. Mounting system for solar panels
US7554041B2 (en) * 2006-12-29 2009-06-30 Lucien Ducret Click-fit connector for armored cables
US20100018571A1 (en) * 2008-07-24 2010-01-28 Bp Corporation North America, Inc. Adjustable interlocking solar modules and method of installation
US20100065108A1 (en) * 2008-02-11 2010-03-18 West John R Method and Apparatus for Forming and Mounting a Photovoltaic Array
US7740497B2 (en) * 2007-10-09 2010-06-22 Dragon Energy Pte. Ltd. Electrical connection system
US20110099929A1 (en) * 2009-10-29 2011-05-05 Krueger International, Inc. Panel system

Patent Citations (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US559924A (en) * 1896-05-12 Island
US2554915A (en) * 1948-07-01 1951-05-29 Aluminum Products Corp Frame and panel construction
US3658596A (en) * 1970-09-21 1972-04-25 Lockheed Missiles Space Flexible solar cell modular assembly
US4012155A (en) * 1975-05-02 1977-03-15 Morris Max O Snap lock connector for components such as knock-down furniture components
US4109564A (en) * 1975-11-19 1978-08-29 Ab Svenska Flaktfabriken Ventilation element with tubular connector for insertion into an opening in a ceiling or a wall
US4766712A (en) * 1982-09-09 1988-08-30 Hale Whitney M Space framing system
US20040140002A1 (en) * 2002-07-05 2004-07-22 Brown Jacob E. Apparatus, system, and method of mechanically coupling photovoltaic modules
US20050123373A1 (en) * 2003-05-20 2005-06-09 Huck International, Inc. Blind fastener and nose assembly for installation of the blind fastener
US7554041B2 (en) * 2006-12-29 2009-06-30 Lucien Ducret Click-fit connector for armored cables
US20080160819A1 (en) * 2007-01-03 2008-07-03 Tyco Electronics Corporation Connector system for solar cell roofing tiles
US20090078299A1 (en) * 2007-09-21 2009-03-26 Akeena Solar, Inc. Mounting system for solar panels
US7740497B2 (en) * 2007-10-09 2010-06-22 Dragon Energy Pte. Ltd. Electrical connection system
US20100065108A1 (en) * 2008-02-11 2010-03-18 West John R Method and Apparatus for Forming and Mounting a Photovoltaic Array
US20100018571A1 (en) * 2008-07-24 2010-01-28 Bp Corporation North America, Inc. Adjustable interlocking solar modules and method of installation
US20110099929A1 (en) * 2009-10-29 2011-05-05 Krueger International, Inc. Panel system

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