Flexible photovoltaic modules having junction box supporting flaps
US9866168B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 14, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jan 9, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 28, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Provided are flexible photovoltaic modules having flaps for supporting junction boxes. Junction boxes are used for making electrical connections to photovoltaic cells sealed inside the modules. A flap may be formed by one or two flexible sealing sheets extending beyond the boundary of the photovoltaic cells. A junction box is attached to the front surface of the flap. In certain embodiments, a flap is formed by one sealing sheet, such as a back side sheet. Materials of the back side sheet may be different from materials of the front side sheet and be selected to ensure support to the junction box. Additional support to the junction box may be provided by extending one of its edges in between the two sealing sheets. This edge extension or other features may be used for mechanical protection of electrical leads extending between the junction box and photovoltaic cells.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.