Method and apparatus for detecting failure in solar cell module, and solar cell module

• US 6,512,458 B1
• Filed: 04/06/1999
• Issued: 01/28/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 04/08/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Canon Ayutthaya Limited (Canon Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Canon Ayutthaya Limited (Canon Inc.)
• Inventors: Takehara, Nobuyoshi, Manabe, Naoki, Kobayashi, Takuma
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffery A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Previl, Daniel
• Application Number:
  US09/286,846
• Time in Patent Office: 1,393 Days
• Field of Search: 340/870.16, 340/870.17, 340/635, 340/636, 340/664, 340/660, 340/661, 340/662, 340/663, 340/501, 340/507, 340/513, 340/514, 340/870.29
• US Class Current: 340/635
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 31/044 including bypass diodes bypass diodes in the junction box H02S40/34
• CPC Class Codes: H02S 50/10 Testing of PV devices, e.g. of PV modules or single PV cells testing of semiconductor devices during manufacturing H01L22/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/50 Photovoltaic [PV] energy

Abstract

The temperature of a bypass diode of a solar cell module is measured by a temperature detector from the exterior of the solar cell module, and the results of temperature detection of each bypass diode are mutually compared to detect the presence or absence of failure in the solar cell module. Also at least one solar cell in the solar cell module is covered with a light shielding plate, then a current flowing in the bypass diode bypassing to the covered solar cell is detected, and a failed solar cell module is detected from the result of the current detection. Also the solar cell module is provided with a temperature detector capable of detecting the temperature of the bypass diode and the temperature of an internal portion of the solar cell module other than the bypass diode. In this way, it is possible to detect a failure in the solar cell module easily and precisely, and also to detect short circuit failure in the solar cell.

Claims

1. A failure detecting method of detecting a failure of a solar cell module, which comprises covering at least on solar cell in a solar cell module with a light shielding plate, detecting a current flowing in a bypass diode bypassing the covered solar cell, and detecting a failed solar cell module based on a result of the current detection.

2. A failure detecting method according to claim 1, wherein the current detection is executed by a light emitting member which emits light by the current.

3. A failure detecting method according to claim 1, wherein the current detection is executed by a light emitting member which emits light by the current.

4. A failure detecting method according to claim 1, wherein the current detection is executed by detecting a temperature of a bypass diode and/or a solar cell in the solar cell module.

5. A failure detecting method according to claim 1, wherein the temperature detection is executed by a temperature detection means of non-contact type.

6. A failure detecting method according to claim 4, wherein the temperature detection is executed by a temperature detection means of contact type.

7. A failure detecting method according to claim 4, wherein the temperature detection is executed by a temperature detection means of visual type.

8. A failure detecting method according to claim 7, wherein the temperature detection is executed by a color changing member for showing a color change in response to a temperature change.

9. A failure detecting method according to claim 8, wherein the color changing member is a color changing member for showing a reversible color change in response to a temperature change.

10. A failure detecting method according to claim 1, wherein the solar cell module comprises, in a vicinity of the bypass diode, means for preventing temperature rise resulting from a cause other than the current.

11. A failure detecting apparatus for detecting a failure in a solar cell module, comprising a light shielding plate for covering a solar cell module or a solar cell in the solar cell module, a current detection means for detecting a current flowing in a bypass diode bypassing the solar cell module or the solar cell, and means for detecting a failed solar cell module based on an output of the current detection means.

12. A failure detecting apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the current detection means is means for detecting a current by a magnetic force generated by the current.

13. A failure detecting apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the current detection means is means for detecting a current by a light emitting member which emits light by the current.

14. A failure detecting apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the current detection means comprises means for detecting a temperature of the bypass diode and/or a solar cell in the solar cell module.

15. A failure detecting apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the temperature detection means is of non-contact type.

16. A failure detecting apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the temperature detection means is of contact type.

17. A failure detecting apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the temperature detection means is a visual temperature detection means.

18. A failure detecting apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the temperature detection means is a color changing member for showing a color change in response to a temperature change.

19. A failure detecting apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the color changing member is a member for showing a reversible color change in response to a temperature change.