US 6,635,817 B2 · Solar cell array having lattice or matrix structure and method of arranging solar cells and panels

Abstract

A solar cell array is provided having a lattice or matrix structure such that no two solar cell devices are connected purely in series or purely in parallel. Accordingly, if a single solar cell device fails, there is an alternate path by which the output power of all other solar cell devices may contribute to the total output power of the solar cell array. Also, the power output of the entire array is much less sensitive to a low voltage or current for a single solar cell device than in a conventional array where devices are connected in series and in parallel. Beneficially, current setting devices, such as resistors, are provided for better matching the voltages and currents within the array, although in some applications, the resistors can be eliminated, or set to zero. The lattice or matrix structures may be extended in one, two, and three-dimensional patterns.

Claims23

Dependent claims

A solar cell array, comprising:

a first four-port unit having first and second input ports and first and second output ports;
and
a second four-port unit also having first and second input ports and first and second output ports,
wherein the first and second output ports of the first four-port unit are connected respectively to the first and second input ports of the second four-port unit, and
wherein each four-port unit comprises,
a first solar cell device directly connected between the first input port and the first output port,
a second solar cell device directly connected between the first input port and the second output port,
a third solar cell device directly connected between the second input port and the first output port, and
a fourth solar cell device directly connected between the second input port and the second output port.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Solar cell array having lattice or matrix structure and method of arranging solar cells and panels

Life of this patent

Solar cell array having lattice or matrix structure and method of arranging solar cells and panels

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims23