Patent · US Active

Flat-plate photovoltaic module

US8748727B2 · kind B2 · utility

8Cited by
114References
25Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJan 21, 2009
Grant dateJun 10, 2014
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 26, 2031

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02E10/50
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

One example embodiment includes a PV module comprising a conductive backsheet, a non-conductive layer disposed on the conductive backsheet, a plurality of PV cells arranged in rows and collectively generating a first power output characterized by a first voltage, and a power conversion device. Each of the rows can include two or more PV cells. The PV cells within each row can be connected to each other in parallel. The rows can be connected in series. A top row can be connected to the conductive backsheet. The power conversion device can be redundantly connected to a bottom row and to the conductive backsheet to form a complete circuit. The power conversion device can convert the first power output to a second power output characterized by a second voltage that is larger than the first voltage. The power conversion device can also maintain peak power of the PV cells.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.