Photovoltaic system having a solar module

Abstract

A photovoltaic system includes a solar module having at least one solar cell. In order to reduce the power loss of the solar module when a solar module is in shade or is defective, a semiconductor switching element is connected in parallel with the solar module and drive electronics block the semiconductor switching element when the solar module is generating power and otherwise switch the semiconductor switching element to low impedance in order to bridge the solar module.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic circuit diagram illustrating two series-connected solar modules according to the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic and block diagram of a solar module according to one preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a timing diagram of an output signal generated by drive electronics of the solar module of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the solar module of FIG. 2 with a detailed layout of exemplary drive electronics.

Claims

1. A photovoltaic system, comprising: a solar module having at least one solar cell;a semiconductor switching element connected in parallel with said solar module; anddrive electronics blocking said semiconductor switching element during power generation by said solar module and otherwise switching said semiconductor switching element to low impedance to bridge said solar module.

2. The photovoltaic system according to claim 1, wherein said semiconductor switching element is a MOSFET transistor.

3. The photovoltaic system according to claim 1, which further comprises a series circuit connected in parallel with said solar module, said series circuit including a diode and a capacitor, said capacitor being charged by said solar module through said diode when said solar module is generating power and otherwise feeding said drive electronics.

4. The photovoltaic system according to claim 1, wherein said drive electronics contain a multivibrator having an output signal being short-circuited when said solar module is generating power.

5. The photovoltaic system according to claim 1, wherein said drive electronics contain an integrated circuit.

6. The photovoltaic system according to claim 1, wherein said drive electronics generate a pulsed control signal having short pulse pauses.

7. The photovoltaic system according to claim 1, wherein said solar module is one of at least one string of a plurality of series-connected solar modules.