Using solar cells as bypass diode heat sinks
US9691926B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 2, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jun 27, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 26, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/50
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A solar panel includes a plurality of solar cells, a bypass diode unit, and a heat spreader. The bypass diode unit includes a bypass diode coupled in an electrical shunting configuration across at least a first solar cell of the plurality of solar cells to bypass current around at least the first solar cell in an event of failure of the first solar cell. The heat spreader is disposed over a portion of one or more of the solar cells. The bypass diode unit is disposed on a first side of the heat spreader with the bypass diode in thermal contact with the heat spreader. A second side of the heat spreader is mounted in thermal contact with the one or more of the solar cells to dissipate heat generated in the bypass diode to the one or more of the solar cells.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.