Photovoltaic modular system
View Patent ↗A photovoltaic modular system is disclosed. One or more photovoltaic (PV) modules are connected together with embedded parallel wiring that facilitates the sharing of power from a plurality of PV modules to power one or more electrical devices. Control electronics within each individual PV module allows the isolation of PV modules that are shaded or otherwise not productive. No external connecting wiring, or devices are required to make the system functional. All wiring, connectors and electronics are integral and embedded within each individual PV module. The PV modules have adhesive on the back to allow them to be installed without additional mounting hardware. All PV module system components are completely encapsulated together in one modular component.
1. A photovoltaic (PV) modular system comprising:
two or more photovoltaic (PV) modules producing a current, each PV module comprising one or more photovoltaic cells;
each of the two or more PV modules further comprising a plurality of contacts wherein the contacts couple the two or more PV modules together;
the two or more PV modules further comprising embedded parallel wiring connecting the contacts to the cells and to a controller;
the controller comprising electronics that bypasses one or more non-current producing PV modules allowing the current to pass through to the two or more PV modules;
the two or more PV modules further comprising an encapsulation material enclosing the one or more photovoltaic cells, the plurality of contacts, the embedded parallel wiring, and the controller;
wherein the contacts from a first PV module of the two or more PV modules are connected to the contacts of a second PV module of the two or more PV modules with a conductive adhesive;
wherein the embedded parallel wiring of each of the two or more PV modules are rated to handle the combined electrical current of all of the interconnected two or more PV modules; and
wherein the embedded parallel wiring connecting the two or more PV modules to at least one additional PV module through the plurality of contacts each PV module, providing interconnecting wiring for all connected three or more PV modules.
2. The contacts of claim 1 , wherein the contacts from a first PV module are mechanically connected to a second PV module.
3. The PV modular system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more PV modules are connecting and providing power to one or more electrical components.
4. The PV modular system of claim 3 , wherein the one or more electrical components comprises a system for charging energy storage devices or components.
5. The PV modular system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more PV modules are attached to a window covering system.
6. The PV modular system of claim 5 , wherein the one or more PV modules are integrated into window covering components at a time of manufacture of a window covering system.
7. The PV modular system of claim 5 , wherein the one or more PV modules are mounted to both a front and back side of blind slats within the window covering system.
8. The PV modular system of claim 5 , wherein the connecting and providing power to one or more electrical components comprises flexible electrical wiring that clips onto a support or control string between blind slats.
9. The PV modular system of claim 5 , wherein the one or more PV modules are provided with a mounting system connecting to a headrail of a window covering system that suspends the one or more PV modules at a lower level where they will receive more exposure to the sun.
10. The mounting system of claim 9 , wherein the mounting system is adjustable and the one or more PV modules slide either up towards a headrail or down lower where they will receive more exposure to the sun, locking in to a specific position after being properly adjusted.
11. The PV modular system of claim 1 , wherein one or more PV modules each has a full power rating of parallel wiring equal to or greater than a sum of maximum power production of a combined interconnected PV module assembly.
12. The PV modular system of claim 1 , wherein electronic controls of the voltage and current of each PV module are incorporated into each PV module's internal circuiting.
13. The PV modular system of claim 1 , wherein the embedded parallel wiring within the one or more PV modules provides an electrical pathway for both power and control functions.
14. The PV modular system of claim 1 , comprising peel and stick adhesive backing to allow the one or more PV modules to be adhered to a surface.
15. The PV modular system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more PV modules each comprises an extended encapsulation material allowing multiple one or more PV modules to overlap and not cover or shade any active solar portion of adjacent one or more PV modules.