NL2025309B1 - Miura-Ori Photovoltaic Module - Google Patents
Miura-Ori Photovoltaic Module Download PDFInfo
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- NL2025309B1 NL2025309B1 NL2025309A NL2025309A NL2025309B1 NL 2025309 B1 NL2025309 B1 NL 2025309B1 NL 2025309 A NL2025309 A NL 2025309A NL 2025309 A NL2025309 A NL 2025309A NL 2025309 B1 NL2025309 B1 NL 2025309B1
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- 238000003491 array Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 8
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 229910003460 diamond Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000010432 diamond Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910021424 microcrystalline silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910021421 monocrystalline silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
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- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 abstract description 3
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 description 12
- 238000005538 encapsulation Methods 0.000 description 9
- 239000004065 semiconductor Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000005038 ethylene vinyl acetate Substances 0.000 description 4
- DQXBYHZEEUGOBF-UHFFFAOYSA-N but-3-enoic acid;ethene Chemical compound C=C.OC(=O)CC=C DQXBYHZEEUGOBF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 229920001200 poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000006117 anti-reflective coating Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002800 charge carrier Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910021419 crystalline silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000012212 insulator Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 2
- XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicon Chemical compound [Si] XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- 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
- H02S30/20—Collapsible or foldable PV modules
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
- H02S40/00—Components or accessories in combination with PV modules, not provided for in groups H02S10/00 - H02S30/00
- H02S40/30—Electrical components
- H02S40/36—Electrical components characterised by special electrical interconnection means between two or more PV modules, e.g. electrical module-to-module connection
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- 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
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- Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention is in the field of a Miura—Ori Photovoltaic IModule, for converting light into electricity, i.e. a module that can easily be unfolded and folded and hence be transported or transferred easily, and a system comprising at least two of such modules and optionally comprising further elements.
Description
Miura-Ori Photovoltaic Module
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is in the field of a Miura-Ori Photovoltaic Module, for converting light into electricity, i.e. a module that can easily be unfolded and folded and hence be transported or transferred easily, and a system comprising at least two of such modules and optionally comprising further elements.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A solar cell, or photovoltaic (PV) cell, is an electrical device that converts energy of light, typically sun light (hence “solar”), directly into electricity by the so-called photovoltaic effect. The solar cell may be considered a photoelectric cell, having electrical characteristics, such as current, voltage, resistance, and fill factor, which vary when exposed to light and which vary from type of cell to type.
Solar cells are described as being photovoltaic irrespective of whether the source is sunlight or an artificial light. They may also be used as photo detector.
When a solar cell absorbs light it may generate either electron-hole pairs or excitons. In order to obtain an electrical current charge carriers of opposite types are separated. The separated charge carriers are “extracted” to an external circuit, typically providing a DC-current. For practical use a DC-current may be transformed into an AC- current, e.g. by using a transformer.
Typically, solar cells are grouped into an array of elements. Various elements may form a panel, and various panels may form a system, Wafer based c-Si solar cells contribute to more than 90% of the total PV market. According to recent predictions, this trend will remain for the upcoming years towards 2020 and many years beyond. Due to their simplified process, conventional c- Si solar cells dominate a large part of the market. As alternative to the industry to improve the power to cost ratio, the silicon heterojunction approach has become increasingly attractive for PV industry, even though the
— 2 _ relatively complicated process to deploy the proper front layers, such as a thermal conductive oxide (TCO) and an inherent low thermal budget of the cells limiting usage of existing production lines and thus result in a negligible market share so far. A heterojunction is the interface that occurs between two layers or regions of dissimilar crystalline semiconductors. These semiconducting materials have unequal band gaps as opposed to a homojunction. A homojunction relates to a semiconductor interface formed by typically two layers of similar semiconductor material, wherein these semiconductor materials have equal band gaps and typically have a different doping (either in concentration, in type, or both). A common example is a homojunction at the interface between an n-type layer and a p-type layer, which is referred to as a pn junction. In heterojunctions advanced techniques are used to precisely control a deposition thickness of layers involved and to create a lattice-matched abrupt interface. Three types of heterojunctions can be distinguished, a straddling gap, a staggered gap, and a broken gap.
Recently foldable solar cells have entered the market. These solar cells are typically provided in small arrays, having a limited number of cells, such as less then 20 cells. They may be used outdoors, providing basic electrical power, such as to appliances. In an alternative these cells may be unfolded in space.
Tang et al. in Appl. Phys. Lett. 104, 083501 (2014) (https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4866145) show principles of fabrication of foldable solar cells. Typically, the solar cells are provided in a single array which cannot be connected in series or in parallel. Therewith power output, voltage, or current is typically limited.
The present invention relates to an improved foldable solar cell array which overcomes one or more of the above disadvantages, without jeopardizing functionality and advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates in a first aspect to a foldable array of PV-cells according to claims 1, which is
- 3 = lightweight and portable.
The present foldable array (10) of PV-cells comprises at least n*m PV-cells electrically connected to one and another, wherein n22 and m22, and at least four magnetic array-array connectors (2,3), which may be ejectable or fixed, hence in an retracted configuration or in an ejected configuration, at least two for a positive electrical array-array contact (2), and at least two for a negative array-array contact (3), wherein at least one positive electrical array-array connector extends in a horizontal direction and wherein at least one positive electrical array-array connector extends in a vertical direction and wherein at least one negative electrical array- array connector extends in a horizontal direction and wherein at least one negative electrical array-array connector extends in a vertical direction, and wherein each connector is electrically insulated, wherein each PV-cell has a geometrical form, wherein the PV-cells are provided on a backside film, wherein the PV-cells are covered with a frontside film, wherein at an edge of each PV-cell at least two adjacent fold lines (8) are provide for upward movement, and wherein at an edge of each PV-cell at least two adjacent fold lines (9) are provide for downward movement, and wherein the array is adapted to be folded with one single movement such as by comprising a hinge mechanism for fully folding/unfolding.
It is slightly preferred to have an odd number of rows, in view of foldability.
The foldable array may simply be folded by “pushing” corners inward, and may be unfolded by moving opposite corners away from one and another.
In view of folding it is preferred to comprise a hinge mechanism in the foldable module.
In view of folding/unfolding it is also preferred to have PV-cells with rather straight (closer to 90 degrees) corners, than to use very acute/sharp corners.
Corners between respectively 70-110 degrees are preferred, such as corners between about 80-about 100 degrees.
At every edge of a PV- cells, or likewise block of PV-cells, typically one fold line is present.
Depending on a size of PV-cells one may combine a number of PV-cells into sub-cells, as in fig. 2. Therewith a lightweight, portable, and foldable, easily connectable array of PV-cells is provided.
- 4 - Therewith a new foldable PV module inspired by origami is provided. The PV module is lightweight and can be unfolded and fold with one single movement. Modularity is at the core of the design, as several of these foldable modules can be (inter) connected to form a PV array of in principle any layout and size. The flexibility increases a variation in use. This modularity, allows to go from small simple applications to full PV systems with just the addition of PV modules. The invention allows modules to be carried easily in large quantities and be connected as needed. Current foldable modules are either very small with low output power or in need of heavy equipment for transportation. This solution allows very easy deployment with the use of only one actuator. High- efficiency crystalline silicon solar cells can be used, and low weight is ensured by the use of a lightweight encapsulation layer and transparent flexible foil. The backside of the module is made out of a flexible foil, such as a black or white foil. This ensures a very pleasant aesthetic appeal. As mentioned, the module may be provided with an encapsulating layer to further ensure hermeticity and safety of use.
In a second aspect the present invention relates to a system comprising at least two arrays according to the invention. The arrays are electrically connected by magnetic contacts, and therewith the connection is secured. The magnetic contacts are not very thick, so that the arrays can still be folded easily and do not occupy much space when folded. The magnetic contacts may be made of a flexible material, such as an electrically conductive tape/adhesive.
They may also be incorporated in a layer or layers, protecting them from the environment. Therewith electrical power can be provided, especially under sunny conditions. As the array, or system, may also be oriented towards the sun, preferably perpendicular to sunlight emitted by the sun, the yield can be increased simply by rotating the array or system accordingly. Now and then rotating can be repeated in order to compensate for rotation of the earth.
Thereby the present invention provides a solution to one or more of the above-mentioned problems.
— 5 = Advantages of the present description are detailed throughout the description. References to the figures are not limiting, and are only intended to guide the person skilled in the art through details of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates in a first aspect to a foldable array of PV-cells, and in a second aspect to a system comprising at least two such arrays.
In an exemplary embodiment of the present foldable array of PV-cells each cell may comprise 2-24 sub-cells 11, such as 4-12 sub-cells.
In an exemplary embodiment of the present foldable array of PV-cells the geometrical form may be selected from rectangles, such as squares, paralepidid, such as diamond. Th geometrical form and the foldability are typically adapted to one and another.
In an exemplary embodiment of the present foldable array of PV-cells all PV-cells in an array of n*m may be electrically connected in series, such as wherein in a column a positive PV-cell (n=i) terminal is electrically connected 4 to an adjacent negative PV-cell terminal (n=i+1), and wherein a first or last PV-cell (n=n or n=1) terminal of a row (m=j) is electrically connected 4 to an adjacent opposite PV-cell terminal (n=n or n=1, m=j+1), and wherein a first terminal 12 of the first cell (n=1, m=1) is in electrical contact with at least two magnetic array-array connectors 2,3 , and wherein a second terminal 13 of the last cell (n=1 or n, m=m) is in electrical contact with at least two magnetic array-array connectors 3,2 of opposite electrical polarity (see e.g. fid. 3 in this respect).
In an exemplary embodiment of the present foldable array of PV-cells in case of m=odd the array (see e.g. fig. 4b in this respect) may comprise at least four magnetic array-array connectors for a positive electrical array-array contact 2 provided at one side of the array (the n=1 side), at least two magnetic array-array connectors 2 at a first edge (m=1) at least two magnetic array-array connectors 2 at a second edge {m=m), and an electrical connection 5 between the connectors
- 6 — at the first edge and the connectors at the second edge, and at least four magnetic array-array connectors for a negative electrical array-array contact 3 provided at one side of the array (the n=n side), at least two magnetic array-array connectors 2 at a first edge (m=1) at least two magnetic array-array connectors 2 at a second edge (m=m), and an electrical connection 5 between the connectors at the first edge and the connectors at the second edge, or in case of m=even the array (see e.g. fig. 6b in this respect) may comprise at least two magnetic array-array connectors for a positive electrical array-array contact 2 provided at one side of the array (the n=1 side} at a first edge (m=1), and at least two magnetic array-array connectors for a negative electrical array-array contact 3 provided at the same side of the array (the n=1 side) at a second edge (m=m).
In an exemplary embodiment of the present foldable array of PV-cells the PV-cells may be selected from conventional homo-junction and heterojunction solar cells, mono-facial and bi-facial solar cells, n-type and p-type mono-crystalline Si, micro-crystalline Si bulk, front contacted solar cells, back contacted solar cells, front and rear junction solar cells, interdigitated back contacted solar cells, and combinations thereof.
In an exemplary embodiment of the present foldable array of PV-cells PV-cells may have a thickness of 10-100 um.
In an exemplary embodiment of the present foldable array of PV-cells PV-cells may comprise an anti-reflective coating.
In an exemplary embodiment of the present foldable array of PV-cells the PV-cells may be provided on a polymeric backside film, such as a transparent backside film (which film may also be referred to as a “foil”, typically a polymeric foil, such as an elastomeric foil), wherein the polymer is preferably selected from PE, PET, and PP.
In an exemplary embodiment of the present foldable array of PV-cells the backside film may have a thickness of 10-100 um.
In an exemplary embodiment of the present foldable array of PV-cells the PV-cells comprise a polymeric frontside film, such as a transparent frontside film (which film may also be
- 7 = referred to as a “foil”, typically a polymeric foil, such as an elastomeric foil), wherein the polymer is preferably selected from PE, PET, and PP.
In an exemplary embodiment of the present foldable array of PV-cells the frontside film may have a thickness of 10-100 um.
In an exemplary embodiment of the present foldable array of PV-cells a third film may be provided on the frontside or backside of the array, or on both.
In an exemplary embodiment of the present foldable array of PV-cells the PV-cells may comprise at least one light- weight encapsulation layer, typically at either side of the PV-cells, such as a transparent elastic polymer layer, such as of Ethylene Vinyl acetate (EVA). Encapsulation may be achieved by EVA (Ethylene Vinyl acetate) which is a transparent elastic polymer that once is heated up to 150 °C becomes liquid and once is cooled down acts as a glue of the different components of the module. Commercial modules uses EVA to glue glass and Tedlar to the solar cells produce the modules, but due to the glass they cannot be flexible. Recently, transparent flexible foils that ensure hermeticity and high light transmittance have become popular and is allowing the creation of flexible modules. A thickness of said encapsulation layer may be from 10-100 pm, such as 20-30 um, each individually.
In an exemplary embodiment of the present foldable array of PV-cells array may have a surface area of > 10 cm, and a mass of < 1 gr/cm2.
In an exemplary embodiment of the present foldable array of PV-cells the array may be portable.
In an exemplary embodiment the present foldable array of PV-cells may further comprise at least one component selected from a junction box, an electrical connection, a transformer, power electronics, and an electrical power storage unit.
In an exemplary embodiment of the present foldable array of PV-cells folding may be provided by Miura-ori technique.
In an exemplary embodiment of the present foldable array of PV-cells the magnetic connector may be selected from iron comprising materials.
In an exemplary embodiment of the present foldable array
- 8 - of PV-cells magnetic array-array connectors may be provided at an edge of the array, preferably at the end of an edge. In an exemplary embodiment of the present foldable array of PV-cells the magnetic connector each individually may have a contact area of 0.5-10 cm?, preferably 1-5 cm?, such as 3.2+1 cm?, and/or a diameter of 241.3 cm, and/or a thickness of 1-15 mm, preferably 2-10 mm, such as 7 mm. In an exemplary embodiment of the present foldable array of PV-cells the magnetic connector may be a magnet to MC4 connector (both +/-}) adaptor is provided, such that integration of the flexible magnetic modules with commercially available power electronics is properly ensured. In an exemplary embodiment the present system may comprise an embedded charging station, such as for a mobile phone. In an exemplary embodiment the present system may comprise power electronics and/or an adaptable junction box. The invention is further detailed by the acconpanying figures and examples, which are exemplary and explanatory of nature and are not limiting the scope of the invention. To the person skilled in the art it may be clear that many variants, being obvious or not, may be conceivable falling within the scope of protection, defined by the present claims.
SUMMARY OF FIGURES Figures 1-3, 4a-b, 5, 6a-b,7-8 show experimental details of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES 10 foldable array of n*m solar cells 1 electrical connection between solar cells 2 positive magnetic connector 3 negative magnetic connector 4 electrical cell-cell connection 5 electrical connection 7 insulator 3 fold line for upward movement 9 fold line for downward movement
- 9 — 11 sub-group of n*m cells 12 first terminal of first cell 13 second terminal of last cell 21 front side film 22 front side encapsulation layer 23 PV-layer 24 back side encapsulation layer 25 back side film The figures are further detailed in the description of the experiments below. Figure la shows a way of folding an array 10 of PV-cells, with valley fold lines 9 and mountain fold lines 8. Figure 1b shows four sub-cells 11. Figure 2 shows schematics of the present foldable module with a front side film 21, an optional front side encapsulation layer 22, a PV-layer 23, an opticnal back side encapsulation layer 24, and a back side film 25. Figure 3 shows an even variant of an array 10, with 4 columns, each column having 4 cells. In each column a cell is electrically connected to an adjacent cell by connection 4, the + and - indicating the polarity of the respective PV-cell terminal. Columns of cells are either attached at a top side (column 1-2 and column 3-4) or at a bottom side (column 2-3). Therewith a serial connection of cells is provided. A first positive terminal 2, located at a first cell 12, with magnetic contact, and negative terminal 3, with magnetic contact, located at last cell 13, is shown. Fig. 4a shows schematically a serial contacted array 10 with only one positive and only one negative magnetic contact indicated. Such an array can not be connected in series or parallel with other similar arrays, at least not without forming a regular patter and layout. Therefore, four negative magnetic contacts 3 and four positive magnetic contacts 2 are shown in fig. 4b. For this layout, the magnetic interconnects can be at opposite ends of the module, and there may be a need of 4 magnets per side. The above is a transparent foil/foil flexible module with the 8 magnetic connectors (exaggerated for better view), and the detail of them can be viewed in fig.
5. The magnetic contacts of either polarity are electrically
- 10 = interconnected by respective electrical connections 5.
One could consider, for the odd column arrangement, that a similar connector design can be produced to that of the even number of columns of fig. 6b. This would reduce the number of magnetic connectors, and the series-parallel connection remains as simple as the even number case. However, for the miura-ori design, in that case the required cable across the module for the negative connector can significantly hinder the folding characteristics or, if made by flexible conductive tape, the reliability of the product after some folding/unfolding cycling can be poor. So this construction is less preferred.
Figure 5 shows an enlargement of the magnetic contacts 2,3, each individually surrounded by insulator 7. The idea of these 4 magnetic connectors per side is to eliminate any wiring between the modules no matter what interconnection scheme (series or parallel) you want to produce. The black line around the module is a flexible frame. Also isolation of the magnetic connectors may be needed to avoid any accidental short circuit during connection. The connectors may also comprise detachment means, such as springs; one can use springs that can give the magnets the ability to be released by pressing them, the spring will pop the connector out. Series interconnection is done by simple rotation of the module, whereas parallel interconnection is achieved by horizontal arrangement Fig. 6a shows a layout of an array with even columns, and a way to indicate respective cells by n, ie[l-n], and m, je[1- m]. Fig. 6b shows an example of at least two negative magnetic contacts 3 and two positive magnetic contacts 2, provided at a bottom side, at either right/left side of the array.
Fig. 7 shows an example of forming the present system with m=odd, wherein arrays on the bottom row are rotated 180 degrees; notice the ejected contacts are shown whilst the remaining are retracted. Notice that, thanks to the design of the 4 magnets on the sides and both ends of the panel, many columns and rows can be connected without limitations, it's just a matter of rotating the panels to face the right polarities. Likewise, fig. 8 shows an example of forming the
- 11 - present system with m=even, wherein arrays on the bottom row are rotated 180 degrees. For the even variant only two rows can be connected. Clearly the odd and even variants may be combined.
The preferred output voltages of the PV panels are preferably sufficient enough so they can be properly used on applications ranging from 5 VDC to 96 VDC. The smallest panel could produce around 8 - 10 VDC and the largest around 30 VDC, then series interconnection can ramp up the voltage to be suited with a commercially available MPPT trackers and charge controllers (in case batteries are also used on the system). Currents could range from 2 A (required by most modern devices) to 6 - 10 A for full area cells (5 in and 6 in). Embedded AC conversion is also possible with smart power electronics.
As shown the magnets are electrically connected to the +/- terminals of the PV-modules. The area of the magnets could be around 3.2 cm? (a diameter of around 2 cm with thickness of around 7 mm). The current produced by large area solar cells can be safely handled by magnets of this size.
The invention although described in detailed explanatory context may be best understood in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
It should be appreciated that for commercial application it may be preferable to use one or more variations of the present system, which would similar be to the ones disclosed in the present application and are within the spirit of the invention.
The next section is provided in order to support the search. The section thereafter relates to a translation thereof.
1. Foldable array (10) of PV-cells, comprising at least n*m PV-cells electrically connected to one and another, wherein n22 and m22, and at least four magnetic array-array connectors (2,3), at least two for a positive electrical array-array contact (2), and at least two for a negative array-array contact (3), wherein at least one positive electrical array-array connector extends in a horizontal direction and wherein at least one
- 12 — positive electrical array-array connector extends in a vertical direction and wherein at least one negative electrical array-array connector extends in a horizontal direction and wherein at least one negative electrical array- array connector extends in a vertical direction, and wherein each connector is electrically insulated, wherein each PV-cell has a geometrical form, wherein the PV-cells are provided on a backside film, wherein the PV-cells are covered with a frontside film, wherein at an edge of each PV-cell at least two adjacent fold lines (8) are provided for upward movement, and wherein at an edge of each PV-cell at least two adjacent fold lines (9) are provided for downward movement, and wherein the array is adapted to be folded with one single movement such as by comprising a hinge mechanism for fully folding/unfolding.
2. Array according to claim 1, wherein each cell comprises 2-24 sub-cells (11).
3. Array according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the geometrical form is selected from rectangles, such as squares, and paralepidid, such as diamond.
4. Array according to any of claims 1-3, wherein all PV-cells in an array of n*m cells are electrically connected in series, such as wherein in a column a positive PV-cell (n=i) terminal is electrically connected (4) to an adjacent negative PV-cell terminal (n=i+1}), and wherein a first or last PV-cell (n=n or n=1) terminal of a row (m=j)} is electrically connected (4) to an adjacent opposite PV-cell terminal (n=n or n=1, m=j+1), and wherein a first terminal (12) of the first cell (n=1, m=1) is in electrical contact with at least two magnetic array- array connectors (2,3), and wherein a second terminal (13) of the last cell (n=1 or n, m=m) is in electrical contact with at least two magnetic array-array connectors (3,2) of opposite electrical polarity.
5. Array according to any of claims 1-4, wherein in case of m=odd the array comprises at least four magnetic array-array connectors for a positive electrical array-array contact (2) provided at one side of the array (the n=1 side),
- 13 = of which at least two magnetic array-array connectors (2) at a first edge (m=1), and at least two magnetic array-array connectors (2) at a second edge (m=m), and an electrical connection (5) between the connectors at the first edge and the connectors at the second edge, and at least four magnetic array-array connectors for a negative electrical array-array contact (3) provided at one side of the array (the n=n side), of which at least two magnetic array-array connectors (2) at a first edge (m=1), and at least two magnetic array-array connectors (2) at a second edge (m=m), and an electrical connection (5b) between the connectors at the first edge and the connectors at the second edge, or wherein in case of m=even the array comprises at least two magnetic array-array connectors for a positive electrical array-array contact (2) provided at one side of the array (the n=1 side) at a first edge (m=1), and at least two magnetic array-array connectors for a negative electrical array-array contact (3) provided at the same side of the array (the n=1 side) at a second edge (m=m).
6. Array according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the PV-cells are selected from conventional homo-junction and heterojunction solar cells, mono-facial and bi-facial solar cells, n-type and p-type mono-crystalline Si, micro- crystalline Si bulk, front contacted solar cells, back contacted solar cells, front and rear junction solar cells, interdigitated back contacted solar cells, and combinations thereof, and/or wherein PV-cells have a thickness of 10-100 um, and/or wherein PV-cells comprise an anti-reflective coating.
7. Array according to any of claims 1-6, wherein the PV-cells are provided on a polymeric backside film, such as a transparent backside film, wherein the polymer is preferably selected from PE, PET, and PP, and/or wherein the backside film has a thickness of 10-100 um, and/or wherein the PV-cells comprise a polymeric frontside film, such as a transparent frontside film, wherein the polymer is preferably selected from PE, PET, and PP, and/or wherein the frontside film has a thickness of 10-100 um, and/or
- 14 — wherein a third film is provided on the frontside or backside of the array.
8. Array according to any of claims 1-7, wherein the PV-cells comprise a light-weight encapsulation layer.
9. Array according to any of claims 1-8, wherein array has a surface area of > 10 cm®, and a mass of < 1 gr/cm?, and/or wherein the array is portable.
10. Array according to any of claims 1-9, further comprising at least one component selected from a junction box, an electrical connection, a transformer, power electronics, and an electrical power storage unit.
11. Array according to any of claims 1-10, wherein folding is provided by Miura-ori technique.
12. Array according to any of claims 1-11, wherein the magnetic connector is selected from iron comprising materials, and/or wherein magnetic array-array connectors are provided at an edge of the array, preferably at the end of an edge.
13. Array according to any of claims 1-12, wherein the magnetic connector each individually has a contact area of
0.5-10 cm?, preferably 1-5 cm?, such as 3.2+1 cm:, and/or a diameter of 2+1.3 cm, and/or a thickness of 1-15 mn, preferably 2-10 mm, such as 7 mm, and/or wherein the magnetic connector is a magnet-to-MC4 connector adaptor.
14. System comprising at least two arrays according to any of claims 1-13.
15. System according to claim 14, comprising an embedded charging station, such as for a mobile phone.
16. System according to claim 14 or 15, comprising power electronics and/or an adaptable junction box.
Claims (16)
Priority Applications (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2025309A NL2025309B1 (en) | 2020-04-09 | 2020-04-09 | Miura-Ori Photovoltaic Module |
| PCT/NL2021/050215 WO2021206542A1 (en) | 2020-04-09 | 2021-04-01 | Miura-ori photovoltaic module |
| EP21718977.8A EP4133591A1 (en) | 2020-04-09 | 2021-04-01 | Miura-ori photovoltaic module |
| CN202180037071.7A CN115668753A (en) | 2020-04-09 | 2021-04-01 | Three-pump paper folding method photovoltaic module |
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| NL2025309A NL2025309B1 (en) | 2020-04-09 | 2020-04-09 | Miura-Ori Photovoltaic Module |
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| NL2025309B1 true NL2025309B1 (en) | 2021-10-25 |
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| EP (1) | EP4133591A1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN115668753A (en) |
| NL (1) | NL2025309B1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2021206542A1 (en) |
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| US20020186020A1 (en) * | 2001-05-29 | 2002-12-12 | Hiroshi Kondo | Power generation apparatus and its control method |
| US20110048656A1 (en) * | 2009-08-28 | 2011-03-03 | Electronics And Telecommunications Research Institute | Blind device using solar cells |
| WO2012167291A2 (en) * | 2011-06-07 | 2012-12-13 | At & S Austria Technologie & Systemtechnik Aktiengesellschaft | Photovoltaic module and use thereof |
| US20140090694A1 (en) * | 2012-09-28 | 2014-04-03 | Board Of Trustees Of Michigan State University | Reconfigurable Photovoltaic Panels |
| WO2016070225A1 (en) * | 2014-11-03 | 2016-05-12 | Allen Vincent Akira | A portable photovoltaic system |
| US20180323743A1 (en) * | 2017-05-03 | 2018-11-08 | Sunpower Corporation | Photovoltaic modules |
| EP3576299A1 (en) * | 2017-01-27 | 2019-12-04 | Zeon Corporation | Interconnected panel body, interconnected power generation module body, and power generation device |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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| CN108886338B (en) * | 2016-03-31 | 2019-05-10 | 日本瑞翁株式会社 | Electricity generation module group |
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2020
- 2020-04-09 NL NL2025309A patent/NL2025309B1/en active
-
2021
- 2021-04-01 EP EP21718977.8A patent/EP4133591A1/en active Pending
- 2021-04-01 WO PCT/NL2021/050215 patent/WO2021206542A1/en unknown
- 2021-04-01 CN CN202180037071.7A patent/CN115668753A/en active Pending
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| US20020186020A1 (en) * | 2001-05-29 | 2002-12-12 | Hiroshi Kondo | Power generation apparatus and its control method |
| US20110048656A1 (en) * | 2009-08-28 | 2011-03-03 | Electronics And Telecommunications Research Institute | Blind device using solar cells |
| WO2012167291A2 (en) * | 2011-06-07 | 2012-12-13 | At & S Austria Technologie & Systemtechnik Aktiengesellschaft | Photovoltaic module and use thereof |
| US20140090694A1 (en) * | 2012-09-28 | 2014-04-03 | Board Of Trustees Of Michigan State University | Reconfigurable Photovoltaic Panels |
| WO2016070225A1 (en) * | 2014-11-03 | 2016-05-12 | Allen Vincent Akira | A portable photovoltaic system |
| EP3576299A1 (en) * | 2017-01-27 | 2019-12-04 | Zeon Corporation | Interconnected panel body, interconnected power generation module body, and power generation device |
| US20180323743A1 (en) * | 2017-05-03 | 2018-11-08 | Sunpower Corporation | Photovoltaic modules |
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Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CN115668753A (en) | 2023-01-31 |
| WO2021206542A1 (en) | 2021-10-14 |
| EP4133591A1 (en) | 2023-02-15 |
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