20240048093. PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE WITH A CROSS RAIL ASSEMBY simplified abstract (Maxeon Solar Pte. Ltd.)
PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE WITH A CROSS RAIL ASSEMBY
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Lee J. Gorny of Mountain View CA (US)
PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE WITH A CROSS RAIL ASSEMBY - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240048093 titled 'PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE WITH A CROSS RAIL ASSEMBY
Simplified Explanation
The abstract describes a photovoltaic (PV) module that includes a frame to hold the backside of a PV laminate. The module also includes a cross rail assembly, which consists of a conductive frame, conductive cross rail members, and couplers. The couplers are used to connect the conductive frame to the conductive cross rail members and provide grounding.
- The PV module has a frame to hold the backside of a PV laminate.
- The cross rail assembly includes a conductive frame to hold the backside of the PV laminate.
- The conductive frame is supported by one or more conductive cross rail members, which provide structural rigidity.
- The couplers are attached to the conductive frame and are used to ground the conductive cross rail members.
- The grounding coupler has a first keyed section that inserts into an opening in the conductive frame and a second keyed section that mates with an end of a conductive cross rail member.
- The couplers can also be used to define a cabling channel.
Potential Applications:
- Solar power generation: The PV module can be used to convert sunlight into electricity, making it suitable for solar power generation systems.
- Building integration: The module can be integrated into building structures, such as roofs or facades, to generate renewable energy.
Problems Solved:
- Structural rigidity: The conductive cross rail members provide structural support to the conductive frame, ensuring the module remains stable.
- Grounding: The grounding couplers help to ground the conductive cross rail members, preventing electrical hazards and ensuring proper functioning of the PV module.
- Cable management: The couplers can be used to define a cabling channel, allowing for organized and efficient cable routing within the PV module.
Benefits:
- Enhanced stability: The conductive cross rail members improve the structural rigidity of the module, making it more resistant to external forces.
- Electrical safety: The grounding couplers ensure proper grounding of the conductive cross rail members, reducing the risk of electrical accidents.
- Improved cable management: The cabling channel defined by the couplers allows for neat and organized cable routing, simplifying installation and maintenance processes.
Original Abstract Submitted
one embodiment is a photovoltaic (pv) module including a frame to receive a perimeter of a backside of a photovoltaic (pv) laminate. the cross rail assembly may include: a conductive frame to receive a perimeter of a backside of a photovoltaic (pv) laminate; one or more conductive cross rail members provide structural rigidity to the conductive frame; and one or more pairs of couplers coupled to the conductive frame, wherein: at least one coupler comprises a grounding coupler having a first keyed section to insert into an opening in the conductive frame and a second keyed section to mate with an end of a conductive cross rail member of the one or more conductive cross rail members to ground the conductive cross rail member to the frame; or at least one coupler of at least one of the one or more pairs includes a length to define a cabling channel.