Photovoltaic Module Failure Detection Devices and Methods
First Claim
1. A method of installing, commissioning, operating, or maintaining a photovoltaic array, the method comprising:
- providing one or more photovoltaic modules;
wherein the one or more photovoltaic modules comprise one or more solar cells, one or more diodes electrically connected to the one or more solar cells, and one or more temperature indication devices in communication with at least a portion of the one or more diodes and within at least a portion of the one or more photovoltaic modules; and
detecting a failure of the one or more diodes with the one or more temperature indication devices.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Photovoltaic module failure detection devices and methods provide reliable, low cost, and effective solutions with visual indication of a temperature of diodes during installation, commissioning, operation, and/or maintenance. Indication of diode temperatures and/or detection of diode failures assures proper installation, improves output, expedites maintenance, increases safety, and/or raises reliability. A photovoltaic module for converting light into electricity includes one or more solar cells, and a transparent front sheet disposed over the one or more solar cells. The photovoltaic module includes a back sheet opposite the transparent front sheet, and one or more electrical circuits with one or more diodes connected to at least a portion of the one or more solar cells. The module includes one or more temperature indication devices in communication with at least a portion of the one or more diodes and disposed between the transparent front sheet and the back sheet.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method of installing, commissioning, operating, or maintaining a photovoltaic array, the method comprising:
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providing one or more photovoltaic modules; wherein the one or more photovoltaic modules comprise one or more solar cells, one or more diodes electrically connected to the one or more solar cells, and one or more temperature indication devices in communication with at least a portion of the one or more diodes and within at least a portion of the one or more photovoltaic modules; and detecting a failure of the one or more diodes with the one or more temperature indication devices. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A photovoltaic module for converting light into electricity, the module comprising:
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one or more solar cells; a transparent front sheet disposed over the one or more solar cells; a back sheet opposite the transparent front sheet; one or more electrical circuits connected to at least a portion of the one or more solar cells and comprising one or more diodes; and one or more temperature indication devices in communication with at least a portion of the one or more diodes, and the one or more temperature indication devices disposed between the transparent front sheet and the back sheet. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A method of fabricating a photovoltaic module, the method comprising:
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providing one or more solar cells; electrically connecting one or more electrical circuits to the one or more solar cells; contacting at least a portion of the one or more electrical circuits with one or more temperature indication devices; and encapsulating the one or more solar cells, at least a portion of the one or more electrical circuits, and the one or more temperature indication devices between a transparent front sheet and a back sheet. - View Dependent Claims (25)
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Specification