The present invention relates to a photovoltaic cell module capable of improving a power generation output per a unit area in which the photovoltaic cell module is installed in comparison with a typical photovoltaic cell module. The photovoltaic cell module includes a crystalline photovoltaic cell such as single crystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, and gallium arsenic (GaAs) and a CdTe, CIGS/CIS, and fuel sensitive thin-film photovoltaic cell.
A crystalline and thin-film photovoltaic cell technology is a clean energy source capable of replacing a typical electrical energy source. Although continuously distributed, this technology has a limitation in commercialization due to a high power generation unit cost in comparison with a typical method such as a coal fired power generation and a nuclear power generation. Among these, the thin-film photovoltaic cell is a next generation photovoltaic cell technology compared with the crystalline silicon photovoltaic cell occupying currently biggest market share. Various kinds of thin-film photovoltaic cells have been developed, and a representative example is a CIGS(Cu(In,Ga)Se2) or CIS(CuInSe2) photovoltaic cell. The CIGS/CIS photovoltaic cell is a cell in which a light absorbing layer for absorbing the sunlight is made of CIGS or CIS in a general cell having a laminated structure of glass substrate/ground electrode/light absorbing layer/buffer layer/front transparent electrode. CIGS is more widely used for the light absorbing layer. CIGS is a group chalcopyrite compound semiconductor. CIGS is a material having a direct transition type energy band gap and a relatively high light absorbing coefficient of about 1×105 cm−1 among semiconductors. CIGS is a material capable of manufacturing a high efficiency photovoltaic cell even with a thickness of 1 μm to 2 μm. However, the crystalline and thin-film photovoltaic cell also exhibits a power generation efficiency less than 30%. Thus, in order to increase a power generation amount, more installation areas are required, and thus installation costs increase.
On the other hand, a current used photovoltaic cell module is installed in an array type by fixing and connecting a plurality of unit panels each having a plate shape.
In relation to the array structure, Korean Laid-open Utility Model No. 2018-0002627 discloses a structure convenient for a user to carry and store by installing a flat photovoltaic cell on a bamboo piece type plate or substrate and rolling the photovoltaic cell for accommodation. Since this structure is configured by serially connecting neighboring two photovoltaic cells by using a copper strip or a rod, repeated usage and storage may generate bending and folding to cause a damage on a connected portion such as a wire.
Also, Korean Laid-open Utility Model No. 2017-0003830 discloses a method for protecting a photovoltaic cell module from external impact or wind pressure such that one pair of two photovoltaic cell modules forms a folding-type structure, the two modules are connected by a hinge, and when this is folded, one module is folded on the other module to expose a rear surface of the upper module to incident light. However, since the folding-type module includes only two modules, and neighboring photovoltaic cell modules are connected by a round rug serving as a ‘t’-shaped bolt, this structure may be used only in a flat-type.
Also, in case of a photovoltaic cell module manufactured by serial and/or parallel-connecting a plurality of unit cells to be arranged in a large area flat type, a great output may not be produced in a narrow space, reflected light, which is reflected by each unit module, may not be re-absorbed, and transferring and storing may be inconvenient. To resolve the above-described limitations, Korean Registered Patent No. 10-1730562 discloses a structure for easily assembling and disassembling unit modules of a photovoltaic cell module, but does not disclose a structure of increasing a power generation efficiency in the same installation area and re-absorbing reflected light.
The present invention provides a photovoltaic cell module capable of performing an effective and economical photovoltaic cell power generation by increasing a power generation amount per an installation area and/or a photovoltaic cell panel in comparison with a typical flat module.
The present invention also provides a photovoltaic cell module capable of being disassembled into a module unit (or a unit module) so that the photovoltaic cell module is folded for transfer and storage.
The present invention provides a plurality of embodiments as stated below to resolve the above technical limitations.
A first embodiment of the present invention provides a photovoltaic cell module including at least two unit modules. Here, each of the unit modules includes at least one photovoltaic cell including a light absorbing layer and an electrode, and a power generation is performed in a state in which an own shape of the unit module or an arranged shape of two or more unit modules forms an uneven portion on an incident surface to which the sunlight is incident.
In the first embodiment, the photovoltaic cell module may further include a support unit on which the unit module is installed. Here, the support unit may include at least one post fixed to the ground or a structure, a support fixed to the post, and a holder configured to form an uneven shape on the support, the unit module may include a plate shape, and at least two unit modules may be installed on the holder to form an uneven portion on an incident surface to which the sunlight is incident.
In the first embodiment, each of the at least two unit modules may have a rectangular shape in which a length in one direction is greater by two times than a length in the other direction.
In the first embodiment, the holder may have a shape of a rod extending in a longitudinal direction, and the rod may have a cross-section having a polygonal shape, a semi-circular shape, or a semi-elliptical shape.
In the first embodiment, the unit module may include a flexible photovoltaic cell, and the flexible photovoltaic cell may be molded to form an uneven portion on an incident surface to which the sunlight is incident.
In the first embodiment, the unit modules may be arranged with different orientations to be adjusted in height and direction.
In the first embodiment, the unit module may include at least two kinds having different protruding shapes and/or different heights.
In the first embodiment, the support unit may have a curved shape having a predetermined radius, and the at least two unit modules may form a shape protruding to be curved with a predetermined shape toward a surface on the support unit, and the uneven shape may overlap the curved shape of the support unit.
In the first embodiment, the unit module may be installed to form an uneven portion including an embossing shape on the support unit.
In the first embodiment, the unit module may include a plurality of uneven portions including an embossing shape.
A second embodiment of the present invention provides a photovoltaic cell module including at least two unit modules. Here, each of the unit modules includes at least one photovoltaic cell including a light absorbing layer and an electrode, a connection unit configured to connect the at least two unit modules is disposed between the at least two unit modules, the connection unit allows the unit modules to be folded and simultaneously adjusts and fixes a folded angle, and a power generation is performed in a state in which the at least two unit modules face each other at a predetermined angle by the connection unit to form an uneven portion on an incident surface to which the sunlight is incident.
In the second embodiment, a facing angle of the unit modules may be in a range from 30° to 330°, and a gap between the unit modules may be equal to or less than a width of the unit module.
In the second embodiment, the connection unit may include a shaft, a connection member rotatably connected to the shaft, and a fixing connector coupled with one side of the connection member configured to connect neighboring unit modules to adjust and fix a folded angle between the unit modules, and as one side or both sides of each of the unit modules is or are connected to the connection member, the unit module may be rotatably connected to the shaft.
In the second embodiment, the fixing connector may include a body, a first fixing member connected to the body and fixed to one end of the unit module, and a second fixing member fixed to one end of the unit module adjacent and connected to the unit module fixed to the first fixing member, and the folded angle between the unit modules may be adjusted by adjusting an angle between the first fixing member and the second fixing member.
In the second embodiment, the fixing connector may include a body, a first fixing member connected to the body and fixed to one end of the unit module, and a second fixing member fixed to one end of the unit module adjacent and connected to the unit module fixed to the first fixing member, one side or both sides of each of the first fixing member and the second fixing member may be rotatably connected to the body, and as an angle adjusting unit configured to fix the first fixing member or the second fixing member, which is rotatably connected, is provided, an angle between the first fixing member or the second fixing member may be adjusted through the first fixing member, the second fixing member, and the angle adjusting unit.
In the second embodiment, the fixing connector may include a driving unit, a first fixing member fixed to one end of the unit module, and a second fixing member fixed to one end of the unit module adjacent and connected to the unit module fixed to the first fixing member, and the driving unit may rotate one side or both sides of each of the first fixing member and the second fixing member to adjust an angle between the first fixing member and the second fixing member.
In the second embodiment, the photovoltaic cell module may further include: a support configured to support at least one of the at least two unit modules; and a fixing unit configured to fix the unit module on the support.
In the second embodiment, the at least two unit modules may be separated from or coupled to each other.
A third embodiment of the present invention provides a photovoltaic cell module including at least two unit modules. Here, each of the unit modules includes at least one photovoltaic cell including a light absorbing layer and an electrode, and a power generation is performed in a state an uneven portion is formed on an incident surface to which the sunlight is incident by including: a unit module connection unit configured to connect the at least two unit modules with neighboring unit module in a bendable manner; and a unit module spacing unit coupled to the unit module and configured to adjust and fix a bent angle and a distance between the plurality of unit modules when the unit modules are bent.
In the third embodiment, the photovoltaic cell module may further include a holding unit configured to hold the unit module spacing unit.
In the third embodiment, the spacing unit may include: a plurality of support bars spaced a predetermined distance from each other; at least one spacing member configured to adjust a gap between the plurality of support bars; and at least one fixing member configured to maintain the gap adjusted by the at least one spacing member, and the unit module may be coupled to the plurality of support bars in a bendable manner.
In the third embodiment, the holding unit may include: a lower support disposed at a lower portion; at least two inclined supports rotatably connected to adjust an inclination with respect to the lower support and spaced a predetermined distance from each other; an upper support configured to connect the at least two inclined supports to each other; and an inclined angle adjusting unit configured to adjust an inclined angle by connecting the lower support and the inclined support.
In the third embodiment, the unit module may be connected to the spacing unit by an elastic band, a Velcro, or tongs.
In the third embodiment, a bent angle between the unit module and neighboring unit module may be in a range from 0° to 360°, and a gap between the unit modules may be equal to or less than two times of a width of the unit module.
In the third embodiment, the unit module may include a single cell or a plurality of cells that are serial or parallel-connected to each other.
In the third embodiment, the spacing member may be a spring, and the fixing member may be a clamp disposed at each of both ends of the spring.
In the third embodiment, a length of the inclined support may be adjustable.
In the third embodiment, the unit module spacing unit may include: a plurality of support plates; and a connection unit configured to connect the plurality of support plates in a rotatable manner so that the plurality of support plates are folded with each other, and the plurality of photovoltaic cell unit modules may be attached to the plurality of support plates, respectively.
In the third embodiment, the unit module connection unit may include a mechanical rotating unit configured to connect the plurality of photovoltaic cell unit module in a mechanically bendable manner or a member having a flexibility to be bent by a material property without a separate mechanical unit.
A fourth embodiment of the present invention provides a photovoltaic cell module including at least two unit modules. Here, each of the unit modules includes at least one photovoltaic cell including a light absorbing layer and an electrode, and a power generation is performed in a state in which the at least two unit modules are arranged to form uneven portions facing each other on an incident surface to which the sunlight is incident.
In the fourth embodiment, the neighboring unit modules may be arranged to have a V-shape, a W-shape, or a repeated shape thereof.
In the fourth embodiment, the neighboring unit modules may be arranged to have a U-shape or a repeated shape thereof with respect to incident light.
In the fourth embodiment, an internal angle between the neighboring unit modules may be in a range from 120° to 40°.
A fifth embodiment of the present invention provides a photovoltaic cell module including at least two unit modules and a reflection plate. Here, each of the unit modules includes at least one photovoltaic cell including a light absorbing layer and an electrode, and as the at least two unit modules are arranged to form uneven portions facing each other with a predetermined angle on an incident surface to which the sunlight is incident, and the reflection plate is connected to at least a portion of an end of the photovoltaic cell panel and extends a predetermined length, a power generation is performed in a state in which the uneven portions are formed on the incident surface to which the sunlight is incident.
In the fifth embodiment, the predetermined angle may be adjustable in a range greater than 0° and less than 180°.
In the fifth embodiment, a surface of the reflection plate may extend without a stepped portion with a surface of the photovoltaic cell panel.
In the fifth embodiment, the reflection plate may extend from all of opened ends of the photovoltaic cell panel.
In the fifth embodiment, a photovoltaic cell module may include unit modules and reflection plates. Here, each of the unit modules may include at least one photovoltaic cell including a light absorbing layer and an electrode, the reflection plates may include a first reflection plate connected to one end of the unit module and inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to an incident surface of the sunlight of the unit module and a second reflection plate connected to the other end, which is disposed at a side facing the one end, of the unit module and inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to an incident surface of the sunlight of the photovoltaic cell panel, and as the first reflection plate and the second reflection plate are arranged to face each other, a power generation may be performed in a state in which an uneven portion is formed on the incident surface to which the sunlight is incident.
In the fifth embodiment, an internal angle between the first reflection plate and the second reflection plate, which face each other, may be in a range from 40° to 120°.
In the fifth embodiment, each of the first reflection plate and the second reflection plate may have a width greater by one times and equal to or less than three times of a transverse width of the photovoltaic cell panel and a length equal to or less by one times than a longitudinal length of the photovoltaic cell panel.
A sixth embodiment of the present invention provides a photovoltaic cell module including a unit module and reflection plates. Here, the unit module includes at least one photovoltaic cell including a light absorbing layer and an electrode, and as the reflection plates are inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the unit modules to face each other, a power generation is performed in a state in which an uneven portion is formed on the incident surface to which the sunlight is incident.
In the sixth embodiment, the reflection plates may be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to at least two unit photovoltaic cell panels.
In the sixth embodiment, the predetermined angle may be in a range from 40° to 120°.
In the fifth embodiment or the sixth embodiment, the reflection plate may have an area equal to or greater by one times than the photovoltaic cell panel.
In the fifth embodiment or the sixth embodiment, a surface of the reflection plate may include a metal mirror surface, a glass mirror surface, or a plastic mirror surface.
In the fifth embodiment or the sixth embodiment, the reflection plate may include a transparent substrate and a light reflecting material attached on the transparent substrate.
In the fifth embodiment or the sixth embodiment, a substrate of the reflection plate may include an insulating material.
In the fifth embodiment or the sixth embodiment, the reflection plate may include at least one hole through which wind passes. Also, a shape of the hole may be selected from the group consisting of a circular shape, a triangular shape, a rectangular shape, a polygonal shape, a cross shape, and an arbitrary shape.
In the fifth embodiment or the sixth embodiment, a thermoelectric element may be attached to the unit module or the reflection plate.
In the fifth embodiment or the sixth embodiment, a phase change material may be attached to the unit module or the reflection plate.
In the fifth embodiment or the sixth embodiment, the photovoltaic cell module may further include a holder configured to hold the unit module and the reflection plate and adjust a facing angle between the unit modules or between the unit module and the reflection plate.
In the embodiments, the photovoltaic cell including an electrode (or a ground electrode) and a light absorbing layer may be applied to the unit module.
The photovoltaic cell module according to the present invention increases the power generation amount per unit area because the sunlight receiving area and the solar irradiation quantity increase in comparison with the typical flat module, which is inclinedly installed, although the solar irradiation quantity and the sunshine duration are the same as each other.
Also, when the unit module includes the curved part, the shadow between the unit modules may be reduced, and thus the installation gap may be also reduced. Particularly, when the unit module includes the thin-film photovoltaic cell including the uneven portion or the protruding cell by using the flexible thin-type silicon photovoltaic cell, the light receiving area may further improve.
Also, in case of the structure in which the plurality of separated unit modules are coupled to be folded through the connection unit, since the unit modules are connected in folding screen shape, the solar irradiation quantity may increase by adjusting the folded gap and direction in the left and right directions. Also, since the unit modules may be connected in the coupling method when used and disassembled to be separated and stored when accommodated or transferred, the maintenance may be easily performed.
Also, since the sunlight reflected by the reflection plate or the neighboring photovoltaic cell panel may be re-absorbed in addition to the sunlight directly incident to the panel through various arrangements between the photovoltaic cell panels and reflection plates, the effective and economical photovoltaic cell power generation may be performed.
Hereinafter, the configuration and effects of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Detailed descriptions related to well-known functions or configurations will be ruled out in order not to unnecessarily obscure subject matters of the present invention. Furthermore, when it is described that one comprises (or includes or has) some elements, it should be understood that it may comprise (or include or has) only those elements, or it may comprise (or include or have) other elements as well as those elements if there is no specific limitation.
A configuration of a module according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described through
The support including a triangular protruding part is built at an installation place such as a plain, a slope, a rooftop, outdoor facilities, or a public house. The support includes a post supported by a ground or a wall surface and a support connected to the post and including a triangular protruding part. The photovoltaic cell unit module is installed on a surface of the triangular protruding part.
As illustrated in
On the other hand, when a half cell is applied, since an internal current is reduced, and a cell gap is narrowed to reduce a resistance loss, a power output increases, and a temperature dependent performance is enhanced. Also, since an effect such as reduction in shadow effect of the output and decrease in possibility of hot spot generation is obtained, the rectangular unit module may have a length in a major direction greater by two times or more than that in a minor direction by reflecting the effect.
The support includes a post supported by the ground or a wall surface and a plurality of supports connected to the post to support a plurality of curved parts. The photovoltaic cell unit module includes a plurality of unit modules coupled with the curved part to form a protruding part.
That is,
The photovoltaic cell module in
Although the curved part of the support has the triangular or semicircular shape in the above embodiment, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the curved part of the support may have various shapes such as a column having a shape obtained by cutting a polygonal, circular, or oval shape in addition to the triangular or semicircular shape.
Also, the size of the curved part of the support may have a diameter of 10 cm to 10 m, a bottom side of 10 cm to 10 m, and a height from the bottom side of 2 cm to 5 m. Each of the support including the curved part and a frame may be made of metal such as an aluminum alloy or stainless steel or plastic.
As described above, when the plurality of rectangular photovoltaic cell unit modules are installed to have different orientations, a generation amount may improve more than a typical flat surface installation method although the solar altitude is varied because a light receiving area and a sunshine duration increase. Also, as a weight of the unit module is reduced, management of the entire modules such as installation and maintenance may be easily performed.
The flexible photovoltaic cell includes a thin silicon photovoltaic cell and a thin-film photovoltaic cell. That is, since the typically generally used silicon photovoltaic cell has a wafer thickness of about 180 μm, the silicon photovoltaic cell is insufficient in flexibility and elasticity and thus easily broken in a bending process. However, when the thin-film silicon cell is applied, the wafer thickness may be reduced to 100 μm or less, and the flexibility and the elasticity may increase. Thus, a bending equal to or greater than 60° may be performed.
The thin-film photovoltaic cell may manufacture the flexible photovoltaic cell by using a metal substrate such as a polymer thin plate or a stainless thin plate as a substrate to easily deform a shape of the cell.
Thus, when the thin-film photovoltaic cell using the thin-film silicon photovoltaic cell or the flexible substrate is applied, the cell itself may be deformed to have a flexure. Thus, an effect of increasing a solar radiation quantity as same as that of
Here, a bending angle may be in a range from 30° to 90°, and a module substrate may be manufactured and attached to have the same bending angle.
Besides, when the thin-film photovoltaic cell is manufactured by using the flexible substrate, a plurality of minute uneven portions may be formed on the substrate to further increase a surface area.
An embossing process method includes a method for forming a plurality of uneven portions on a substrate surface by using a device for processing an embossing on a surface of a polymer thin plate such as polyimide or a metal thin plate such as a stainless thin plate, a copper thin plate, and a zinc thin plate. The embossing process method may be generally performed in such a manner that a flexible substrate is inserted between and passes through two upper and lower embossing rolls, and an embossing or an engraving, which is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the roll, is transferred to the substrate by applying heat or pressure, to form a plurality of uneven portions. Besides, the embossing process method includes a laser patterning, a hot foil stamping, and a punch press method.
In the embossing process, the uneven portion may have a size in a range from 10 μm to 1 cm.
A method for processing the semi-circular column is the same as the method of the embodiment 3 except that the uneven portion has the semi-circular column shape.
The semi-circular column shape may have a diameter or a bottom side size in a range from 10 μm to 1 cm.
That is, when the photovoltaic cell or the module is configured or installed to have the curved part, the solar radiation quantity or power generation quantity improves through an effect of increasing the incident angle range of sunlight and the light receiving effective area more than the typical flat module.
A configuration of a photovoltaic cell module according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to
As illustrated, the photovoltaic cell module according to the fifth embodiment includes a plurality of unit modules 10, a connection unit 20 connecting the unit modules 10 to each other, and a fixing connector 30 fixing the unit modules by adjusting a folded angle between the unit modules.
Each of the unit modules 10 has a rectangular shape including a serial or parallel wiring 12 by electrically connecting a surface electrode and a ground electrode of the unit cell, which are adjacent to each other as the plurality of photovoltaic cell unit cells 11 are arranged.
The unit module 10 is manufactured according to a typical method in such a manner that tempered glass, a photovoltaic cell, a sealing material, and a back sheet are sequentially overlapped with each other, the sealing material is pressed and heated to bond and seal each layer, and then an edge of the tempered glass is fixed and finished by a metal material such as aluminum or a plastic reinforced frame. Thus, as the photovoltaic cells are arranged in a row within a thickness of about 7 mm, the light weight photovoltaic cell unit module may be realized.
On the other hand, when a half cell is applied, since an internal current is reduced, and a cell gap is narrowed to reduce a resistance loss, a power output increases, and a temperature dependent performance is enhanced. Also, since an effect such as reduction in shadow effect of the output and decrease in possibility of hot spot generation is obtained, the rectangular unit module may have a length in a long distance greater by two times or more than that in a short distance by reflecting the effect.
Also, the unit module may be configured so that the number of cells disposed at one end in a minor direction is 1 to 6, and the number of cells disposed at one end in a major direction is 2 to 12, preferably, 1 to 2 in the minor direction, and 2 to 12 in the major direction.
As illustrated in
When the unit module 10 is coupled to only one side of the shaft 21, only one hinge member 22 may be formed. Also, one hinge member 22 may fix one unit module 10, or a plurality of hinge members 22 may fix one unit module 10.
As illustrated in
As a fixing groove 33 to which at least a portion of an upper end of the unit module 10 is inserted to be fixed is formed in the module fixing member 32, the upper end of the unit module 10 may be inserted to the fixing groove 33 so that the unit module 10 maintains a predetermined angle as illustrated in
The two module fixing members 32 in
As a folded angle between the unit modules 10 has a fixed angle in a range from 0° to 360°, a direction and a gap between the unit modules may be further firmly maintained. Preferably, as the fixed angle is in a range from 30° to 330°, an orientation angle between the unit modules may be in a range from 30° to 330°, and as the gap between the unit modules is equal to or less than a width of the unit module, more photovoltaic cells may be arranged in a narrow area.
In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the folded angle between the unit modules is adjusted through an angle between the module fixing members integrated with the shaft fixing member 31.
A sixth embodiment of the present invention includes a fixing connector capable of adjusting an angle between the unit modules 10 unlike the fifth embodiment.
As illustrated in
According to the sixth embodiment, an angle between the second member 32′ and the third member 33′ may be adjusted to adjust an angle between the unit modules 10 fixed thereto.
When angle adjustment is required by using the fixing connector according to the sixth embodiment, the angle adjustment may be performed such that the second member 32′ and the third member 33′ are separated from each other by rotating the first member 31′, and then the second member 32′ and the third member 33′ are adjusted to required angles and assembled by using the first member 31′.
As described above, when the angles of the second member 32′ and the third member 33′ may be variously adjusted, a folded angle of the photovoltaic cell module may be adjusted according to an area of an installation space, and thus the space may be further effectively used, and a degree of freedom in installation may increase.
A seventh embodiment of the present invention includes a fixing connector capable of automatically adjusting the angle between the unit modules 10 of the sixth embodiment without separating the fixing connector.
As illustrated in
When angle adjustment is required by using the fixing connector according to the seventh embodiment, the angle adjustment between the unit modules may be performed such that the motor 31″ operates through a predetermined control signal to rotate the rotation shaft 31a″, thereby adjusting an angle between the first fixing member 32″ and the second fixing member 33″.
Here, the motor 31″ may be controlled in a wired or wireless manner by using a computer including a calculation device and a storage device. When the wireless control is necessary, the motor may include a receiving unit capable of receiving a control signal in a wireless manner.
Also, as the motor 31″ operates by providing the control signal for each predetermined time on the basis of at least one information selected from a solar altitude, a sunrise time, and a sunset time according to a date stored in the storage device, an optimum folded state for the corresponding time may be obtained.
An eighth embodiment of the present invention includes a support for installing the photovoltaic cell module of the embodiments 5 to 7.
When the fixing device is used, the photovoltaic cell module may be easily separated from the support, and as the connection unit is separated, the separated photovoltaic cell module may be separated into each unit module, and the each unit module may be stored and carried.
In the embodiment of the present invention, the fixing device may have the same or similar shape as that of the support assuming that the support has a cylinder or circular cylinder shape.
The photovoltaic cell module may be installed by connecting left and right sides of a plurality of unit modules to have a folding screen, thereby improving a space efficiency. Also, the solar radiation quantity and the power generation quantity improves through an effect of increasing the incident angle range of sunlight and the light receiving effective area more than the typical flat module. Also, since the photovoltaic cell module may be disassembled and separated into each unit module, storage, transferring, and maintenance are easily performed.
The international photovoltaic module prices and the power plant facility investment trend of the Korea Photovoltaic Industry Association shows that the ratio of the module cost in the entire photovoltaic power plant facility cost is reduced to 30% of that in the year of 2017. Thus, when the photovoltaic module is installed in the folding screen shape by extending the number of panels by two times in case that the photovoltaic module is installed in a flat shape in the same installation space of the photovoltaic panel (module), a total power plant facility cost may increase by 30% due to a panel cost, but a power generation output may increase by two times. Therefore, a photovoltaic equalization generation cost, i.e., a power generation unit cost, may improve by 54%. Thus, it may be known that the folding screen shape is economically advantageous than the flat shape.
Although the photovoltaic module having the folding screen shape is exemplified in the embodiment of the present invention, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the photovoltaic module may have various shapes instead of the flat shape.
As illustrated in
The unit module connection unit 120 may physically connect and bent the neighboring unit modules 110 at the same time. For example, a mechanical rotating unit such as a hinge for mechanically connecting the plurality of photovoltaic cell unit modules in a bendable manner may be used. For another example, a method for connecting the unit modules 110 in a bendable manner by disposing a flexible member between both neighboring unit modules 110 and then attaching ends thereof by using a unit such as an adhesive, a bolt and a nut, and a Velcro may be used. Also, a wire for connecting electricity generated from the unit module 110 may be disposed in the unit module connection unit 120.
As illustrated in
A coupling part 134 in which a coupling hole for coupling the holding unit is formed is formed around both ends of each of the plurality of support bars 131. Also, the spring 132 is supported by the coupling part 134. Although the spring is used as the spacing member in the first embodiment of the present invention, a different type of an elastic member may be used in addition to the spring.
Also, two unit modules 110 are disposed in a space defined between the plurality of support bars 131, and an end of the unit module 110 adjacent to the support bar 131 is connected to the support bar 131 in a bendable manner. Although not particularly limited, the method for connecting the support bar 131 in the bendable manner may be referred to as a preferred example because the unit module 110 may be easily attached to and detached from the spacing unit 130 when an elastic band, a Velcro, or tongs are used.
For example, as illustrated in
As illustrated, the holding unit 140 includes: a lower support 141 disposed at a lower portion; at least two inclined supports 142 rotatably connected to the lower support 141 so as to adjust an inclination and spaced a predetermined distance from each other; an upper support 143 connecting the at least two inclined supports 142 to each other; and an inclined angle adjusting unit 144 for adjusting an inclined angle by connecting the lower support 141 and the inclined support 142.
The lower support 141 includes: a first lower support 141a disposed parallel to the ground on the drawing; and two second lower supports 141b extending from both ends of the first lower support 141a in a direction perpendicular to the ground on the drawing.
The inclined support 142 includes: a first inclined support 142a including two hollow pipes and extending from the both ends of the first lower support 141a in a direction perpendicular to the first lower support 141a; a second inclined support 142b inserted into the first inclined support 142a; and a height adjusting unit 142c for adjusting a height of the second inclined support 142b. For example, the height adjusting unit 142c may include a hole defined in a predetermined portion of the first inclined support 142b and a screw inserted into the hole. However, the height adjusting unit 142c may include various well-known units.
The upper support 143 prevents the second inclined support 142b from moving and couples the spacing units 142 to each other. The upper support 143 having a pipe shape and couples ends of the spacing units 142 to each other. Although the upper support 143 is connected to both ends of the second inclined support 142b in the embodiment of the present invention, the connected position may be variously adjusted.
The inclined angle adjusting unit 144 includes: holes 144b spaced a predetermined gap along a longitudinal direction of the first inclined support 142a; and a support 144a rotatably connected to the second lower support 141b. Through this, an inclination may be adjusted according to a position of a hole into which the support 144a is inserted among the holes defined in the second lower support 141b. Although the inclination is adjusted by the method of inserting the support into the hole in the embodiment of the present invention, the inclination may be adjusted by various well-known methods, e.g., a hydraulic type support for adjusting a length of the support by a hydraulic pressure.
Next, a method for installing the photovoltaic cell module according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
First, the support bar 131 is coupled to the holding unit 140 by inserting the lower support 141 and the upper support 142 of the holding unit 140 into the coupling parts 134 formed at both ends of the support bar 131 of the spacing unit 142, respectively. Here, the coil-type spring 132 is inserted between the support bars 131 to maintain a predetermined gap between the support bars 131.
Then, when a bent angle between the unit modules 110 is adjusted, the spring 132 is compressed by applying a force to the spring until a desired gap is obtained, and then the lower support 141 and the upper support 143 are fixed by using the clamp 134.
Thereafter, both side ends of each of two unit modules connected to the support bar 131 in a bendable manner are connected to the support bar 131. Here, since the unit modules are desirably connected to the support bar 131 in a bendable manner, the unit modules are connected to each other by using a unit such as an elastic bands, a Velcro, or tongs. The above-described unit may easily attach/detach the unit modules to/from the support bar 131 and conveniently store and transfer the unit modules.
Thereafter, an angle of the support 144a is adjusted in consideration of an incident angle of the sunlight.
As described above, the processes including attaching the unit module to the support bar 131 and adjusting the angle of the support may be performed before the support bar 131 is coupled to the holding unit 140, and an order of performing the processes is not particularly limited.
Also, in the spacing unit, the gap between the unit modules, i.e., the gap between the support bars, may be adjusted by using only a plurality of clamps without using the elastic member.
Also, when the photovoltaic cell module according to the first embodiment of the present invention is transferred or stored, the unit module, the spacing unit, and the holding unit may be disassembled in a reverse order of the above order.
Also, in case that the plurality of unit modules face each other as described above, by varying an internal angle between the unit modules between 180° and 0° when the incident light is vertically irradiated, while a horizontal installation area is reduced, a power generation amount is reduced by 30% or less with respect to an angle of 180° in an internal angle range from 120° to 40°. Thus, a feature of maintaining the internal angle range from 120° to 40° may be preferred.
When a unit module including a flexible thin-plate or thin-film photovoltaic cell is applied, the unit modules may be arranged in a U-shape or a repeated shape thereof to increase a power generation amount as similar to the above case.
Besides, when a double sided power generation photovoltaic cell is used for the above photovoltaic cell unit module having various bent shapes, since a power is generated from a front surface as well as a rear surface of the photovoltaic cell, the power generation amount may further improve.
As illustrated in
The plurality of photovoltaic cell unit modules 210 and the unit module connection unit 220 may be the same as those in the ninth embodiment. Thus, redundant description will be omitted.
The spacing unit 230 includes a plurality of support plates 231 and a support plate connection unit 232 for rotatably connecting the plurality of support plates 231 to each other.
The support plate connection unit 232 has a hinge structure connecting both ends of the support plate 231 in a bendable manner.
Also, the unit modules may be attached to the support plate in various methods, e.g., a method of using a Velcro.
As illustrated in
An angle θ1 between the neighboring panels may be adjusted through the connection unit 130 in a range greater than 0° and less than 180°. The connection unit 130 may be bent while physically connecting the panels 110 at the same time. For example, a mechanical rotating unit such as a hinge for mechanically connecting in a bendable state may be used. For another example, a method for connecting the panels 110 in a bendable manner by disposing a flexible member such as plastic or fibers between both neighboring panels 110 and then attaching ends thereof by using a unit such as an adhesive, a bolt and a nut, and a Velcro. Also, a wire for connecting electricity generated from the panel 110 may be disposed in the connection unit 130.
When the panels are inclined and face each other as described above, a test for verifying increase in power generation of the photovoltaic cell is implemented. A table below shows results obtained by searching variation in power generation amount according to variation of an incident angle while irradiating vertical light with respect to a central portion of the panel and setting the internal angle θ1 between the panels to 60°.
As shown in the above table 1, the power generation amount increases in comparison with a panel without the reflection plate with respect to various incident angles of irradiating light. The power generation amount gradually increases as a length of the reflection plate increases from an edge of the panel increases. However, the reflection plate may preferably have a transverse length of two times of a panel width and a longitudinal length of one times of a panel width in consideration of the gap between the panels so as to prevent a shadow caused by the reflection plate.
Also, the reflection plate extending from the panel may preferably extend without a stepped portion with the panel. When the stepped portion is formed, the power generation efficiency may be reduced, and foreign substances may be attached due to the stepped portion. In order to remove the stepped portion, as illustrated in
The reflection surface 121, which is a surface of the reflection plate, may include a metal mirror surface, a glass mirror surface, or a plastic mirror surface to easily reflect the sunlight.
Also, the reflection plate may be manufactured by applying a reflecting material with a predetermined pattern on a substrate made of a transparent material such as acryl or glass. For example, a light reflecting material pattern may be formed on a transparent substrate by using a coating method such as deposition using vacuum deposition or screen printing. Besides, a method for attaching a metal foil on a transparent substrate may be applied. Here, since the substrate of the reflection plate has a thermal resistance, an insulating material capable of restricting temperature increase may be used.
The reflection plate may include a plurality of holes having various shapes. As the holes allows wind to pass therethrough, the wind may reduce a pressure applied to the panel and the reflection plate, and thus a damage risk of the photovoltaic cell module caused by strong wind may be also reduced.
When the reflection plate is installed on all four surfaces of the flat panel, the sunlight may not reached to the panel due to a shadow. Also, as the reflection plate has a width greater than that of the panel, a frequency of the sunlight reflected and incident to the panel may increase to resultantly increase a sunlight power generation efficiency.
Dimensions of the reflection plate may have a width d1 and a length d2. The width d1 may be greater by one times and equal to less by three times than a transverse width D1 of the panel, and the length d2 may be equal to or less by one times than a longitudinal length D2 of the panel. More preferably, the width d1 may be greater by one times and equal to less by 1.5 times than the width D1, and the length d2 may be equal to or less by 0.5 times than the longitudinal length D2.
As described above, the reflection plate may have a width greater than that of the panel. When the reflection plate has a width greater by three times than that of the panel, an installation space may excessively increase, and an entire instability of the photovoltaic cell module may also increase due to increase in installation weight. Likewise, the length may be equal to or less by one times than the longitudinal length of the panel in terms of the installation space or the stability.
Also, the power generation efficiency of the photovoltaic cell may increase by adjusting an internal angle θ2 between the reflection plates 120 extending from the panels 110. A table 2 below shows an increase rate of the power generation amount according to the internal angle θ2 between the reflection plates 120 in a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention, representing that the power generation amount increases in a range from 40° to 120° and is maximized by 49.5% at an angle of 90°. Thus, the internal angle θ2 between the reflection plates 120 may be preferably in the range from 40° to 120°.
More sunlight may be induced and absorbed to the panel by the reflection plate 160 inclined in a direction facing the panel. In
Power generation increase rates according to the eleventh, fifteenth, and sixteenth embodiments are shown in a table below. In each embodiment, the power generation increase rate is measured by comparing with a case when panels are inclined and face each other (an internal angle of 60°) without the reflection plate under a condition in which the internal angle between the panel and the reflection plate is 60°, and an incident angle of irradiating light is 0°.
A photovoltaic cell module 100 may be stably maintained as a support 210 holes at a plurality of points including a reflection plate. The support 210 may be detached and attached as necessary, and thus this embodiment may be advantageous in terms of maintenance.
The support 210 and the holder 200 may be attached to each other through coupling using a bolt and a nut, insertion using a concave and a convex, fixing using a clamp, and attaching using an adhesive.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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10-2019-0022944 | Feb 2019 | KR | national |
10-2019-0082926 | Jul 2019 | KR | national |
10-2019-0165721 | Dec 2019 | KR | national |
10-2020-0007527 | Jan 2020 | KR | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/KR2020/002592 | 2/24/2020 | WO | 00 |