U.S. patent application number 17/375722 was filed with the patent office on 2021-11-04 for integration of microinverter with photovoltaic module.
The applicant listed for this patent is Enphase Energy, Inc.. Invention is credited to Patrick L. Chapman, Phil Gilchrist, Kristine Little, Marco A. Marroquin, William Morris, William P. Mulligan.
Application Number | 20210344301 17/375722 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005712317 |
Filed Date | 2021-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210344301 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gilchrist; Phil ; et
al. |
November 4, 2021 |
INTEGRATION OF MICROINVERTER WITH PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE
Abstract
Various technologies for integrating a microinverter with a
photovoltaic module are disclosed. An alternating current
photovoltaic (ACPV) module includes a photovoltaic module having a
frame and a junction box including a direct current (DC) output
connector, and a microinverter having a housing coupled to the
frame and a DC input connector electrically mated with the DC
output connector of the photovoltaic module.
Inventors: |
Gilchrist; Phil; (Austin,
TX) ; Morris; William; (Round Rock, TX) ;
Little; Kristine; (Austin, TX) ; Chapman; Patrick
L.; (Austin, TX) ; Mulligan; William P.;
(Wilson, WY) ; Marroquin; Marco A.; (Austin,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Enphase Energy, Inc. |
Petaluma |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005712317 |
Appl. No.: |
17/375722 |
Filed: |
July 14, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16011384 |
Jun 18, 2018 |
11108356 |
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17375722 |
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14554825 |
Nov 26, 2014 |
10008979 |
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16011384 |
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61909706 |
Nov 27, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05K 3/301 20130101;
H01L 31/02013 20130101; H05K 7/04 20130101; H02S 40/34 20141201;
H05K 7/02 20130101; H02S 40/32 20141201; Y02E 10/50 20130101; H05K
7/142 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H02S 40/32 20060101
H02S040/32; H02S 40/34 20060101 H02S040/34; H05K 3/30 20060101
H05K003/30; H01L 31/02 20060101 H01L031/02 |
Goverment Interests
GOVERNMENT RIGHTS
[0002] This invention was made in part with government support
under Grant No. DE-EE0005341 awarded by the Department of Energy.
The Government has certain rights in this invention.
Claims
1. An alternating current photovoltaic (ACPV) module comprising: a
photovoltaic (PV) module, the PV module having a back surface and a
light receiving surface; a junction box positioned on the back
surface of the PV module, the junction box receiving DC voltage
from the light receiving surface of the PV module; a microinverter
positioned on the back surface of the PV module; and wherein the
junction box and the microinverter are connected by a flexible
conduit, the flexible conduit comprising DC wires that electrically
connect the junction box and the microinverter.
2. The ACPV module of claim 1, wherein the DC wires are not capable
of being unplugged from the junction box or the microinverter.
3. The ACPV module of claim 2, wherein the DC wires are soldered to
the microinverter.
4. The ACPV module of claim 3, wherein the PV module is
frameless.
5. The ACPV module of claim 1, wherein the DC wires are not capable
of being unplugged from the junction box.
6. The ACPV module of claim 1, wherein the microinverter comprises
an access panel the access panel configured to allow access to
connections of the DC wires within the microinverter.
7. The ACPV module of claim 1, wherein the flexible conduit is a
corrugated hose.
8. The ACPV module of claim 1, wherein the DC wires are not capable
of being unplugged from the microinverter.
9. An assembly comprising: a junction box; a microinverter; and a
flexible conduit, wherein the flexible conduit connects the
junction box to the microinverter and contains DC wires, wherein
the microinverter is configured to receive DC voltage from a
photovoltaic (PV) module and convert that DC voltage to an AC
voltage, and wherein the DC wires are hardwired to the
microinverter.
10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the microinverter comprises an
access panel, the access panel configured to allow access to
connections of the DC wires within the microinverter.
11. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the microinverter is secured
to a substrate of the photovoltaic (PV) panel.
12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the microinverter is secured
to the substrate with at least one of adhesive or thermal coupling
or mechanical clips.
13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the PV module is
frameless.
14. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the flexible conduit is
corrugated.
15. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the DC wires form an
electrical connection between the junction box and the
microinverter without a pluggable DC connector.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/011,384, filed on Jun. 18, 2018, which is a
continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/554,825, filed on Nov. 26, 2014, which claims priority to and
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/909,706, filed on Nov. 27, 2013, the entire content of each of
these applications is incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL BACKGROUND
[0003] The present disclosure relates, generally, to photovoltaic
(PV) modules and, more particularly, to photovoltaic modules having
a power inverter for converting direct current (DC) power generated
by the PV module to alternating current (AC) power integrated
therewith.
BACKGROUND
[0004] A typical DC PV module generally includes a rectangular
frame (typically aluminum), a PV laminate, and a junction (j-) box.
The (typically plastic) j-box encapsulates the electrical
connections protruding from the backsheet of the laminate,
providing wired connections to the j-box. Such wires are normally
of double-insulated type having rugged connectors, commonly known
as "MC-4" connectors. The wires and connectors are commonly known
as PV wire or PV cables, and such wires/cables carry the DC power
from the module to an external circuit. In many cases, the j-box is
glued to the laminate backsheet. Standard (silicon) modules
typically have 60 or 72 solar cells, arranged electrically in three
or four series-connected "substrings." Each substring will
typically have an equal number of cells (e.g., 20 cells for a
60-cell module) and a diode placed in parallel with the series
cells. Such diodes, commonly known as bypass diodes, are normally
located in the j-box as well.
[0005] In particular applications, the DC power generated by a DC
PV module may be converted to AC power through the use of a
DC-to-AC power inverter. The power inverter may be electrically
coupled to the DC output of the PV module (i.e., the PV cables).
The power inverter may be located physically apart from the PV
module, with only the intervening wiring and associated hardware
physically coupling the PV module to the power inverter.
SUMMARY
[0006] According to one aspect, an alternative current photovoltaic
(ACPV) module includes a photovoltaic module and a microinverter.
The photovoltaic module includes a frame and a junction box having
a direct current (DC) output connector. The microinverter has a
housing coupled to the frame and a DC input connector electrically
mated with the DC output connector of the photovoltaic module.
[0007] In some embodiments, the housing of the microinverter may be
elongated and may include a plurality of mounting tabs secured to
the frame of the photovoltaic module. The DC output connector of
the junction box may extend upwardly from a substrate of the
photovoltaic module, and the DC input connector of the
microinverter may extend downwardly from the housing of the
microinverter toward the substrate.
[0008] In some embodiments, the frame of the photovoltaic module
may include a pair of side rails extending inwardly from the frame
to define an opening of the frame, each of the side rails may
include a track defined therein, the housing of the microinverter
may include a pair of slide guides, and each slide guide may be
received in a corresponding track of the side rails of the frame of
the photovoltaic module. A backplate of the microinverter may be
aligned with the frame of the photovoltaic module when the DC input
connector of the microinverter is electrically mated with the DC
output connector of the junction box of the photovoltaic module,
and an alternating current (AC) cable connector of the
microinverter may protrude from the backplate.
[0009] In some embodiments, the ACPV module may comprise a support
bracket coupled to a first frame member and a second frame member
of the frame of the photovoltaic module, and the first and second
frame members may define a corner of the frame. The housing of the
microinverter may be secured to the support bracket. The housing of
the microinverter may include a plurality of mounting flanges
extending outwardly therefrom, the support bracket may include a
plurality of retainers, and at least one of the mounting flanges
may cooperate with one of the plurality of retainers to secure the
housing to the support bracket.
[0010] According to another aspect, an alternating current
photovoltaic (ACPV) module includes a photovoltaic module and a
microinverter. The photovoltaic module includes a solar cell array
and an electrical terminal extending from a back substrate that is
electrically connected to the solar cell array. The microinverter
has a housing secured to the photovoltaic module, and the housing
includes a connection chamber. The electrical terminal of the
photovoltaic module is received in the connection chamber and
electrically connected to a direct current (DC) input terminal of
the microinverter.
[0011] In some embodiments, the photovoltaic module may be
frameless. Additionally, in some embodiments, the housing of the
microinverter may include a base, a cover coupled to the base, and
a gasket positioned between the base and the cover.
[0012] In some embodiments, the photovoltaic module may include a
frame, and the housing of the microinverter may be secured to the
frame of the photovoltaic module toward a corner of the frame.
Additionally, in some embodiments, the photovoltaic module may
include a frame, and the housing of the microinverter may be
secured to the frame of the photovoltaic module so that the
microinverter is centered between two corners of the frame. In some
embodiments still, the photovoltaic module may include a frame, the
housing of the microinverter may include a plurality of mounting
flanges extending outwardly therefrom, and the plurality of
mounting flanges may be secured to the frame of the photovoltaic
module. The microinverter may be secured to the frame of the
photovoltaic module via the plurality of mounting flanges in a
configuration such that the microinverter applies a substantially
zero net force to the back substrate of the photovoltaic
module.
[0013] According to yet a further aspect, an alternating current
photovoltaic (ACPV) module includes a photovoltaic module and a
microinverter. The photovoltaic module has a junction box. The
microinverter has a housing secured to the photovoltaic module. The
microinverter is directly electrically connected to the junction
box of the photovoltaic module via a connector-less direct current
(DC) wire assembly.
[0014] In some embodiments, the photovoltaic module may be
frameless. The connector-less DC wire assembly may be positioned in
a flexible conduit.
[0015] In some embodiments, the photovoltaic module may include a
frame, and the housing of the microinverter may be secured to the
frame of the photovoltaic module. The housing of the microinverter
may be secured to the frame of the photovoltaic module toward a
corner of the frame. Additionally, in some embodiments, the
photovoltaic module may include a frame, and the connector-less DC
wire assembly may be positioned in a flexible conduit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The concepts described herein are illustrated by way of
example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures.
For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in
the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Where considered
appropriate, reference labels have been repeated among the figures
to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a simplified illustration of at least one
embodiment of an ACPV module including a microinverter attached to
a substrate of the ACPV module;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a simplified illustration of at least one
additional embodiment of an ACPV module including a microinverter
secured to a frame of the ACPV module;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a simplified illustration of at least one
additional embodiment of an ACPV module including a microinverter
secured to the frame of the ACPV module via associated siderails of
the frame;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a simplified illustration of at least one
additional embodiment of an ACPV module including a microinverter
attached to a substrate and frame of the ACPV module via a separate
mounting bracket;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a simplified illustration of at least one
additional embodiment of an ACPV module including a microinverter
attached to a frame of the ACPV module toward a corner of a
substrate of the ACPV module;
[0022] FIGS. 6A and 6B are simplified illustrations of at least one
additional embodiment of an ACPV module including a microinverter
attached to a substrate of the ACPV module and having a connection
chamber incorporated therewith;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a simplified illustration of at least one
additional embodiment of an ACPV module including a microinverter
attached to a frame of the ACPV module toward a corner of the
substrate of the ACPV and electrically connected to a solar array
of the ACPV module via a flexible conduit;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a simplified illustration of at least one
additional embodiment of the ACPV module of FIG. 7 having the
microinverter attached to a substrate of a frameless PV module;
[0025] FIGS. 9A and 9B are simplified illustrations of at least one
additional embodiment of an ACPV module including a microinverter
attached to a frame of the ACPV module toward a corner of a
substrate of the ACPV module and having a connection chamber
incorporated therewith; and
[0026] FIG. 10A is a simplified illustration of at least one
additional embodiment of an ACPV module including a microinverter
attached to a frame of the ACPV module so that the microinverter is
centered between two corners of the frame of the ACPV module and
having a connection chamber incorporated therewith; and
[0027] FIG. 10B is a simplified illustration of the microinverter
of FIG. 10A detached from the frame of FIG. 10A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible
to various modifications and alternative forms, specific
embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the
drawings and will be described herein in detail. It should be
understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts
of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on
the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications,
equivalents, and alternatives consistent with the present
disclosure and the appended claims.
[0029] References in the specification to "one embodiment," "an
embodiment," "an illustrative embodiment," etc., indicate that the
embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure,
or characteristic, but every embodiment may or may not necessarily
include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic.
Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same
embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is
submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art
to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection
with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.
Additionally, it should be appreciated that items included in a
list in the form of "at least one A, B, and C" can mean (A); (B);
(C): (A and B); (B and C); or (A, B, and C). Similarly, items
listed in the form of "at least one of A, B, or C" can mean (A);
(B); (C): (A and B); (B and C); or (A, B, and C).
[0030] In the drawings, some structural or method features may be
shown in specific arrangements and/or orderings. However, it should
be appreciated that such specific arrangements and/or orderings may
not be required. Rather, in some embodiments, such features may be
arranged in a different manner and/or order than shown in the
illustrative figures. Additionally, the inclusion of a structural
or method feature in a particular figure is not meant to imply that
such feature is required in all embodiments and, in some
embodiments, may not be included or may be combined with other
features.
[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 1-10, the present disclosure relates
to various embodiments of ACPV modules in which a DC-AC inverter,
commonly referred to as a "microinverter," is attached to the PV
module in different configurations to form the ACPV module. In some
typical ACPV module implementations, the junction box of the PV
module is completely replaced with the microinverter. In such
implementations, the hardware for the microinverter and the typical
junction box wiring and connectors may share the same housing
structure. The output leads or cables from the microinverter carry
AC rather than the DC power generated by the PV module. However,
typical microinverters are relatively heavy and complex compared to
the simple circuit board normally included in a standard junction
box (which only provides wire connections and 3-4 bypass diodes).
The weight of a typical microinverter can make it difficult to
maintain a reliable bonding to the backsheet substrate of the PV
module with glue over the life of the ACPV module. The weight of
the typical microinverter also can cause the PV module to
delaminate, resulting in a module failure. Additionally, the repair
of the microinverter or module itself is generally more difficult.
For example, if an ACPV module microinverter fails, it may be
difficult or impossible to replace just the microinverter, causing
the loss of both the microinverter and the PV module. Further,
grounding of the microinverter and PV module may pose additional
challenges.
[0032] One embodiment of an ACPV module that has been implemented
to address the challenges of the typical ACPV module discussed
above is shown in FIG. 1. In that embodiment, an ACPV module 100
includes a "dock" connection formed from a junction box 102 and a
microinverter 106. The junction box 102 includes a DC output
connector 104, instead of the standard DC PV wires. A microinverter
106 has a DC input connector 108 corresponding to the DC output
connector 104 of the junction box 102 such that the microinverter
106 may be electrically coupled to the junction box 102 as shown in
FIG. 1. Because the junction box 102 and the microinverter 106 are
coupled together directly, the need for DC wires is removed, which
may increase the ease of repair and replacement of the
microinverter. The dock connection of the ACPV module 100, somewhat
reminiscent of a USB connector, also allows other electronics to be
easily attached, so that the module vendor can easily
multiply-source the socket. To further support the weight of the
microinverter 106, a support bracket may be included to secure the
microinverter 106 to a frame of the ACPV module 100, which may also
facilitate the grounding of the microinverter 106. One embodiment
of such a frame-mounted dock-connected ACPV module is described in
U.S. Pat. No. 8,462,518, entitled "Power Inverter Docking System
for Photovoltaic Module," by Marco A. Marroquin et al., which was
filed on Oct. 30, 2009.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 2, in the illustrative embodiment, an
ACPV module 200 includes a PV module 202 and a microinverter 204.
The PV module 202 includes a junction box 206 secured to a
backsheet of a substrate 208 of the PV module 202. The junction box
206 includes a DC output connector 210. The microinverter 204
includes an elongated housing 212 having a plurality of mounting
tabs 214 extending from the housing 212 and positioned thereon to
facilitate attachment of the microinverter 204 to a frame 216 of
the PV module 202, which can also facilitate grounding of the
microinverter 204. Each of the mounting tabs 214 includes an
aperture sized to receive one of a plurality of fasteners 230, and
the frame 216 similarly includes a plurality of apertures sized to
receive the fasteners 230. The fasteners 230 are inserted into the
respective apertures of the mounting tabs 214 and the frame 216 to
attach the housing 212 of the microinverter 204 to the frame 216.
It should be appreciated that the DC output connector 210 extends
upwardly from the substrate 208 of the PV module 202 to facilitate
a vertical connection with a corresponding DC input connector 218
of the microinverter 204, which extends downwardly from the
elongated housing 212.
[0034] It should be appreciated that, because the mounting tabs 214
are integrated with, or otherwise coupled to, the elongated housing
212, a separate mounting bracket to secure the microinverter 204 to
the frame 216 is not needed. Additionally, although the housing 212
is shown as elongated, the shape and size of the housing 212 may
vary in other embodiments while still facilitating attachment of
the housing 212 to the frame 216 as discussed above. Further, it
should be appreciated that the placement of the junction box 206 on
the substrate 208 and the physical dimensions of the microinverter
204 are interdependent and, as such, the location of the junction
box 206 may be adjusted or modified depending on the particular
microinverter used.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 3, in the illustrative embodiment, an
ACPV module 300 includes a PV module 302 and a microinverter 304.
As shown, the microinverter 304 is configured to attach to the PV
module 302 via a slide-docking mechanism. To support the attachment
of the microinverter 304, the PV module 302 includes a frame 306
having an opening 308 defined therein and including a pair of
siderails 310 extending inwardly from the frame 306, which define
the opening 308. Each siderail 310 includes a track 312 configured
to receive a corresponding slide guide 314 extending outwardly from
a housing 316 of the microinverter 304. The microinverter 304 may
be attached to the PV module 302 by sliding the slide guides 314 in
the corresponding tracks 312 of the siderails 310 as shown in FIG.
3. In some embodiments, the siderails 310 and/or the slide guides
314 may include a locking mechanism to lock, or otherwise secure,
the microinverter 304 in place.
[0036] The PV module 302 includes a junction box 320 aligned with
the opening 308 of the frame 306. The junction box 320 includes a
DC output connector 322, which is positioned to be received by a
corresponding DC input connector 324 of the microinverter 304 as
the microinverter 304 is slid into the opening 308 of the frame 306
via cooperation of the tracks 312 and slide guides 314. In the
illustrative embodiment of FIG. 3, the microinverter 304 includes a
backplate 326, which is aligned with the frame 306 when the
microinverter 304 is secured to the PV module 302. Additionally, an
AC cable connector 328 protrudes from the backplate 326 to provide
easy access for installation of the ACPV module 300.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 4, in the illustrative embodiment, an
ACPV module 400 includes a PV module 402, a microinverter 404, and
a support bracket 406. The support bracket 406 is designed to
facilitate attachment of the microinverter 404 toward a corner of a
frame 408 of the PV module 402. That is, to secure the support
bracket 406 in place toward the corner of the frame 408 as shown in
FIG. 4, a plurality of clips 432 of the support bracket 406 may be
affixed to two orthogonal frame members 410, 412 of the frame 408
via fasteners or an adhesive and/or thermal coupling. The PV module
402 includes a junction box 420 having a DC output connector 422
that is configured to couple to a DC input connector 424 of the
microinverter 404 when the microinverter 404 is secured to the
support bracket 406. The position and orientation of the junction
box 420 may depend on the physical dimensions of the microinverter
404 and, as such, may be modified based on the particular
microinverter 404 used. In the illustrative embodiment, the
junction box 420 is located toward a corner of the frame 408 and
rotated to face the side frame member 412, and the junction box 420
is affixed to the support bracket 406 via fasteners or an adhesive
coupling. Additionally, in the illustrative embodiment, the
microinverter 404 includes a housing 426 having a plurality of
mounting flanges 428 extending outwardly therefrom, which
facilitate attachment of the microinverter 404 to the support
bracket 406 (and the frame 408 in some embodiments). Specifically,
at least one of mounting flanges 428 of the housing 426 cooperates
with one of a plurality of retainers 434 of the support bracket 406
to attach the microinverter 404 to the support bracket 406. In
place of, or in addition to, the mounting flanges 428 and the
plurality of retainers 434, the housing 426 may be affixed to the
support bracket 406 via fasteners or an adhesive and/or thermal
coupling. However, in other embodiments, the ACPV module 400 may
not include the support bracket 406. In such embodiments, the
microinverter 404 may be secured directly to the frame 408 (e.g.,
each of the frame members 410, 412).
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 5, in the illustrative embodiment, an
ACPV module 500 includes a PV module 502 and a microinverter 504
secured to a back substrate 506 of the PV module 502. As shown, the
microinverter 504 is secured to the PV module 502 toward a corner
of a frame 508 of the PV module 502, and may be secured to the
frame 508 directly or via an additional supporting bracket as
discussed above with regard to the embodiment of FIG. 4. In the
illustrative embodiment of FIG. 5, the microinverter 504 is
directly electrically connected to a junction box 510 of the PV
module 502 via DC wires or cables 512. However, unlike a standard
PV module, the connection between the junction box 510 and the
microinverter 504 is formed without the use of DC connectors (e.g.,
MC-4 connectors). The connection between the junction box 510 and
the microinverter 504 is therefore established through the use of a
connector-less DC wire assembly (e.g., DC wires 512). For instance,
the microinverter 504 and junction box 510 may be "hard-wired"
together such that the DC cables 512 are not capable of being
unplugged or disconnected from the junction box 510 or the
microinverter 504. To provide an amount of protection, the DC
cables 512 may include a strain relief 514 at each terminal end
toward the junction box 510 and microinverter 504. The
microinverter 504 and junction box 510 may be electrically
connected together by soldering, or otherwise electrically
connecting, the wires of the DC cables 512 within the microinverter
504 and the junction box 510. In some embodiments, an access box or
panel (not shown) may be provided in the junction box 510 to allow
field service of the ACPV module 500 (e.g., to allow access to the
connections of the DC cable 512 within the junction box 510).
Additionally or alternatively, the microinverter 504 may include an
access panel or box (not shown) to allow field service of the ACPV
module 500 (e.g., to allow access to the connections of the DC
cable 512 within the microinverter 504). In such embodiments, the
module vendor may supply the PV module 502 without MC-4 connectors,
and the ACPV module integrator would complete manufacture of the
ACPV module 500 by soldering, or otherwise electrically connecting,
the DC cables 512 directly to electrical connection points inside
the microinverter 504.
[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, in the illustrative
embodiment, an ACPV module 600 includes a PV module 602 and a
microinverter 604. The microinverter 604 includes a connection
chamber 606 integrated with a housing 608 of the microinverter 604.
The connection chamber 606 replaces the typical junction box of the
PV module 602. As such, the microinverter 604 is configured to be
secured to a back substrate 610 of the PV module 602 in a position
such that the electrical connections (not shown) of the PV module
602, which extend from the back substrate 610 and electrically
connect to the solar cell array (not shown) of the PV module 602,
are received in the connection chamber 606. The connection chamber
606 includes an access door 612 that may be removed to provide
access to the electrical connections between the microinverter 604
and the electrical connections of the PV module 602. The connection
chamber 606 may also house any bypass diodes and/or other
electrical components and/or connections to facilitate easy access
to such components/connections.
[0040] In the illustrative embodiment, the PV module 602 is a
frameless module. In such embodiments, the microinverter 604 may be
bonded directly to the back substrate 610 of the PV module 602. For
example, the housing 608 may include a base 636 and a cover 638
configured to couple to each other via fasteners or an adhesive
and/or thermal coupling, and the cover 638 may be coupled directly
to the hack substrate 610 via an adhesive pad 614 or other suitable
adhesive and/or thermal coupling when the base 636 is coupled to
the cover 638 as shown in FIG. 6B. Alternatively, the housing 608
of the microinverter 604 may be secured to the frameless module 602
using clips or other securing mechanisms. To resist migration of
fluid between the base 636 and the cover 638, a gasket 640 may be
positioned between the base 636 and the cover 638 as shown in FIG.
6A. In those embodiments in which the PV module 602 is embodied as
a framed module, the microinverter 604 may be secured to a frame of
the PV module 602 in addition to, or instead of, directly to the
substrate 610.
[0041] Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, in the illustrative
embodiment, an ACPV module 700 includes a PV module 702 and a
microinverter 704 secured to a back substrate 706 of the PV module
702. Illustratively, the microinverter 704 is secured to the PV
module 702 toward a corner of a frame 708 of the PV module 702, and
may be secured to the frame 708 directly or via an additional
supporting bracket as discussed above with regard to the embodiment
of FIG. 4. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 5, the microinverter
704 is directly electrically connected to a junction box 710 of the
PV module 702 via DC wires 712. However, in the embodiment of FIG.
7, the DC wires 712 are housed in an outer conduit or corrugated
hose assembly 714. The DC wires 712 are fed through the conduit 714
and electrically connect the microinverter 704 and the junction box
710. The conduit 714 is illustratively flexible to reduce concerns
associated with the typical rigid mechanical coupling. IL should be
appreciated that the conduit 714 provides an additional layer of
protection to the DC wires 712, which may reduce the regulatory
ratings required for those wires (which typically require double
insulation and sunlight resistance properties). Again, as with the
embodiment of FIG. 5, the connection between the junction box 710
and the microinverter 704 is formed without the use of DC
connectors (e.g., MC-4 connectors), and therefore the connection
between the junction box 710 and the microinverter 704 is
established through the use of a connector-less DC wire assembly
(e.g., DC wires 712) as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. For instance, the
microinverter 704 and junction box 710 may be "hard-wired" together
such that the DC wires 712 are not capable of being unplugged or
disconnected from the junction box 710 or the microinverter 704.
The microinverter 704 and junction box 710 may be electrically
connected together by soldering, or otherwise electrically
connecting, the DC wires 712 within the microinverter 704 and the
junction box 710. In some embodiments, an access box or panel (not
shown) may be provided in the junction box 710 to allow field
service of the ACPV module 700 (e.g., to allow access to the
connections of the DC wires 712 within the junction box 710).
Additionally or alternatively, the microinverter 704 may include an
access panel or box (not shown) to allow field service of the ACPV
module 700 (e.g., to allow access to the connections of the DC
wires 712 within the microinverter 704).
[0042] In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the PV module 702 is embodied
as a framed module. In such embodiments, the microinverter 704 may
be secured to the frame 708 of the PV module 702 as discussed
above. Alternatively, in the embodiment of FIG. 8, the PV module
702 is embodied as a frameless module. In such embodiments, the
microinverter 704 may be secured directly to the back substrate 706
of the PV module 702 via a suitable adhesive or thermal coupling
and/or mechanical clips or other securing mechanisms. Regardless,
because the microinverter 704 is electrically coupled to the
junction box 710 via the flexible conduit 714 and DC wires 712, the
position of the microinverter 704 relative to the PV module 702 may
be modified or adjusted as needed based on the particular
implementation. For example, the junction box 710 may be made of
substantially the same size and type of material as a standard
junction box, such that the degree of modification of the PV module
702 itself (relative to a standard PV module) is small. The
assembly of the microinverter 704, the conduit 714, and junction
box 710 may be provided as one unit to be connected by the ACPV
module integrator, or the pieces may be provided individually.
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 9A and 9B, in the illustrative
embodiment, an ACPV module 800 includes a PV module 802 and a
microinverter 804. The microinverter 804 includes a connection
chamber 806 integrated with a housing 808 of the microinverter 804.
The connection chamber 806 replaces the typical junction box of the
PV module 802. As such, the microinverter 804 is configured to be
secured to a back substrate 810 of the PV module 802 in position
such that the electrical connections (not shown) of the PV module
802, which extend from the back substrate 810 and electrically
connect to the solar cell array (not shown) of the PV module 802,
are received in the connection chamber 806. The connection chamber
806 is illustratively arranged to confront a corner of a frame 816
of the PV module 802 as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. The connection
chamber 806 includes an access door 812 that may be removed to
provide access to the electrical connections between the
microinverter 804 and the electrical connections of the PV module
802. The connection chamber 806 may also house any bypass diodes
and/or electrical components and/or connections to facilitate easy
access to such components/connections.
[0044] The PV module 802 includes the frame 816 as shown in FIGS.
9A and 9B. The microinverter 804 is secured to the frame 816 of the
PV module 802 toward the corner of the frame 816 defined by first
and second frame members 838, 840 as best seen in FIG. 9B. The
housing 808 includes a plurality of mounting flanges 818 extending
outwardly therefrom which facilitate attachment of the
microinverter 804 to the frame 816. Specifically, two mounting
flanges 818 extend outwardly from a first side 844 of the housing
808 confronting the frame member 838, and one mounting flange 818
extends outwardly from a second side 846 of the housing 808
confronting the frame member 840. The sides 844, 846 of the housing
808 extend perpendicular to one another, and the connection chamber
806 is adjacent to an edge (not shown) of the housing 808 defined
by the intersection of the sides 844, 846. Each of the mounting
flanges 818 includes an aperture sized to receive one of a
plurality of fasteners (not shown), and the frame 816 similarly
includes a plurality of apertures (not shown) sized to receive the
fasteners. The fasteners are inserted into the respective apertures
of the mounting flanges 818 and the frame 816 to attach the housing
808 of the microinverter 804 to the frame 816. It should be
appreciated, however, that an adhesive and/or thermal coupling may
be used to attach the flanges 818 to the frame 816 in place of the
fasteners. In any case, the frame 816 supports the microinverter
804 in position above the back substrate 810. To laterally
stabilize the microinverter 804 relative to the PV module 802, the
microinverter 804 may be additionally bonded directly to the back
substrate 810 of the PV module 802. For example, the housing 808
may be coupled directly to the back substrate 810 via an adhesive
pad 814 as shown in FIG. 9B or other suitable adhesive and/or
thermal coupling. Alternatively, the housing 808 of the
microinverter 804 may be secured to the back substrate 810 using
clips or other securing mechanisms.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 10A, in the illustrative embodiment,
an ACPV module 900 includes a PV module 902 and a microinverter
904. The microinverter 904 includes a connection chamber 906
integrated with a housing 908 of the microinverter 904. The
connection chamber 906 replaces the typical junction box of the PV
module 902. As such, the microinverter 904 is configured to be
secured to a hack substrate 910 of the PV module 902 in position
such that the electrical connections (not shown) of the PV module
902, which extend from the back substrate 910 and electrically
connect to the solar cell array (not shown) of the PV module 902,
are received in the connection chamber 906. The connection chamber
906 is illustratively arranged along a first side 950 of the
housing 908 to confront a general center of the substrate 910 of
the PV module 902 as shown in FIG. 10A. The connection chamber 906
includes an access door 912 that may be removed to provide access
to the electrical connections between the microinverter 904 and the
electrical connections of the PV module 902. The connection chamber
906 may also house any bypass diodes and/or electrical components
and/or connections to facilitate easy access to such
components/connections.
[0046] The PV module 902 includes a frame 916 as shown in FIG. 10A.
The microinverter 904 is secured to the frame 916 of the PV module
902 so that the microinverter 904 is generally centered between two
corners of the frame 916. The housing 908 includes a plurality of
mounting flanges 918 extending outwardly therefrom which facilitate
attachment of the microinverter 904 to the frame 916. Specifically,
the mounting flanges 918 extend outwardly from a second side 948 of
the housing 908 positioned opposite the first side 950 of the
housing 908. Each of the mounting flanges 918 includes an aperture
sized to receive one of a plurality of fasteners (not shown), and
the frame 916 similarly includes a plurality of apertures (not
shown) sized to receive the fasteners. The fasteners are inserted
into the respective apertures of the mounting flanges 918 and the
frame 916 to attach the housing 908 of the microinverter 904 to the
frame 916. It should be appreciated, however, that an adhesive
and/or thermal coupling may be used to attach the flanges 918 to
the frame 916 in place of the fasteners. Regardless of the
attachment mechanism, the frame 916 supports the microinverter 904
in position above the back substrate 910 such that substantially
all of the weight of the microinverter 904 is supported by the
frame 916. As such, the net force applied by the microinverter 904
to the back substrate 910 is substantially zero. Additionally, to
laterally stabilize the microinverter 904 relative to the PV module
902, the microinverter 904 may be bonded directly to the back
substrate 910 of the PV module 902. For example, the housing 908
may be coupled directly to the back substrate 910 via an adhesive
pad 914 as shown in FIG. 10A or other suitable adhesive and/or
thermal coupling. Alternatively, the housing 908 of the
microinverter 904 may be secured to the back substrate 910 using
clips or other securing mechanisms.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 10B, the microinverter 904 is shown
detached from the frame 916 of the PV module 902 (note that the
frame 916 is not shown) to better illustrate features of the
microinverter 904. In contrast to FIG. 10A, in which an alternating
current (AC) output cable 942 of the microinverter 904 extends
between the two corners of the frame 916, the AC output cable 942
of the detached microinverter 904 extends freely beyond opposite
ends of the housing 908 as shown in FIG. 10B. Of course, it should
be appreciated that in other embodiments, other interconnection
cable assemblies, such as a trunk-and-drop cable assembly, may be
utilized to electrically connect to the microinverter 904.
[0048] Various technologies for integrating a microinverter with a
PV module have been illustrated in the Figures and described above.
Although particular features have been shown and described with
regard to particular embodiments, it should be appreciated that
features of various embodiments may be mixed and matched as each
implementation may require. For example, in some embodiments, a
"standardized" microinverter may be desired for use with a variety
of PV modules (which may vary in frame size and/or placement of
electrical connections/junction box). Additionally, it may be
desirable to uniformly locate features of the PV module (e.g., the
junction box) across different PV modules for ease of
manufacturability or certification. In such embodiments, features
of the various disclosed embodiments may be selected to adapt the
microinverter to each PV module as desired.
[0049] An ACPV module having desired capabilities or features may
be generated by providing various couplings between a PV module and
a microinverter. Specifically, the various couplings provided may
differ from one another in certain mechanical, electrical, and
thermal aspects. In one example, the PV module and the
microinverter may be mechanically coupled to one another as
follows: the microinverter may be attached to the frame of the PV
module via screws or other fasteners, the microinverter may be
attached to the frame of the PV module via clips, the microinverter
may be attached to a laminate of the frameless PV module via clips,
the microinverter may adhere directly to a backsheet of the PV
module, and/or the microinverter may be attached to the PV module
via an intermediate mechanical coupling. In another example, the PV
module and the microinverter may be electrically coupled to one
another as follows: via rigid DC connectors, via MC-4 DC connectors
and wires, via a direct wired connection serviceable inside a
junction box of the PV module, via a direct wired connection
serviceable inside the microinverter, via a direct wired connection
sheathed in a conduit or hose, and/or via a direct soldered
connection. In yet another example, the PV module and the
microinverter may be thermally coupled to one another as follows:
an air gap may be provided between the microinverter and a
backsheet of the PV module, a thermal pad or paste may be provided
between the microinverter and the backsheet of the PV module,
and/or a non-conducting adhesive layer may be provided between the
microinverter and the backsheet of the PV module. It should be
appreciated that selection of the various features may produce an
ACPV module having unique features that may not be depicted in any
of the FIGS. 1-10, but which are nevertheless disclosed by the
coupling examples above. As such, the associated Figures depict
only a few embodiments of the various possible combinations of
features that may be selected and one of ordinary skill in the art
should appreciate the additional variations that may be produced by
providing one or more of the mechanical, electrical, and thermal
couplings discussed above.
* * * * *