Title: Photovoltaic device assembly and method

Abstract

The present invention is premised upon a connector device and method that can more easily electrically connect a plurality of PV arrays and/or locate these arrays upon a building or structure. It also can optionally provide some additional components (e.g. a bypass diode and/or an indicator means) and can enhance the serviceability of the array.

Inventors:

Keenihan, James R.; Langmaid, Joseph A.; Cleereman, Robert J.; Graham, Andrew T.

Issue Date:

2018-11-06

Research Org.:

Dow Global Technologies LLC, Midland, MI (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1492815

Patent Number(s):

10121911

Application Number:

14/797,857

Assignee:

Dow Global Technologies LLC (Midland, MI)

Patent Classifications (CPCs):

H - ELECTRICITY H01 - BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS H01L - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES

H - ELECTRICITY H01 - BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS H01R - ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS

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H - ELECTRICITY H01 - BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS H01L - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES

H01L31/02008 - {for solar cells or solar cell modules}
H01L31/02013 - {comprising output lead wires elements}
H01L31/048 - Encapsulation of modules
H01L31/05 - Electrical interconnection means between PV cells inside the PV module, e.g. series connection of PV cells
H01L31/0508 - {the interconnection means having a particular shape}
H01L31/18 - Processes or apparatus peculiar to the manufacture or treatment of these devices or of parts thereof

H - ELECTRICITY H01 - BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS H01R - ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS

H01R12/79 - connecting to rigid printed circuits or like structures
H01R13/055 - {co-operating with sockets having a rectangular transverse section}
H01R13/113 - {co-operating with pins or blades having a rectangular transverse section}
H01R13/639 - Additional means for holding or locking coupling parts together, after engagement, {e.g. separate keylock, retainer strap}
H01R13/7032 - {making use of a separate bridging element directly cooperating with the terminals}
H01R31/00 - Coupling parts supported only by co-operation with counterpart

H - ELECTRICITY H02 - GENERATION H02S - GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRA-RED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES

H02S20/23 - specially adapted for roof structures
H02S20/25 - Roof tile elements
H02S40/34 - comprising specially adapted electrical connection means to be structurally associated with the PV module, e.g. junction boxes
H02S40/36 - characterised by special electrical interconnection means between two or more PV modules, e.g. electrical module-to-module connection

Y - NEW / CROSS SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES Y02 - TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE Y02A - TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE

Y02A30/60 - Planning or developing urban green infrastructure

Y - NEW / CROSS SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES Y02 - TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE Y02B - CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS

Y02B10/10 - Photovoltaic [PV]

Y - NEW / CROSS SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES 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

Y02E10/50 - Photovoltaic [PV] energy

Y - NEW / CROSS SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES Y10 - TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC Y10T - TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION

Y10T29/49117 - Conductor or circuit manufacturing
Y10T29/49355 - Solar energy device making
Y10T29/49826 - Assembling or joining

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DOE Contract Number:  

FC36-07G017054

Resource Type:

Patent

Resource Relation:

Patent File Date: 2015 Jul 13

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

14 SOLAR ENERGY