PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE WITH PROTECTIVE REGION AND PROTECTION METHOD PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE

Abstract

The present invention relates to a flexible infrastructure solution for protecting the cables of flexible photovoltaic panels. The solution comprises a cutout for insertion of the ends of the cables and a cover for the cutout area intended to protect the end of the cables.

Claims

1. Photovoltaic module with protective region characterized by comprising a) At least one photovoltaic plate fixed to the upper area of the flexible membrane; b) At least one cut in the upper area of the flexible membrane that allows the cables to pass from the photovoltaic plate to the lower area of the flexible membrane; and c) At least one jacket attached to the upper part of the flexible membrane, covering the entire cut of item b).

2. Photovoltaic module, according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible membrane is a vinyl canvas.

3. Photovoltaic plate cable protection method characterized by comprising the steps of: a) providing at least one photovoltaic module as defined in claim 1 or 2; b) inserting the cable of at least one photovoltaic plate in the region between the upper part of the flexible membrane and at least one jacket; and c) inserting the end of at least one cable of at least one photovoltaic plate in at least one cut in the upper area of the flexible membrane.

4. Method, according to claim 3, characterized in that the flexible support membrane is a vinyl canvas.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0020] FIG. 1 shows schematic top and bottom views of a flexible membrane according to the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 2 shows a photograph of the upper area of a photovoltaic module with the protection area of the present invention, where the end of the cable is hidden.

[0022] FIG. 3 shows a photograph of the lower area of the photovoltaic module of FIG. 2, showing the cutout and the end of the cable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The following description is intended only to exemplify some of the numerous ways of carrying out the invention, and should not be viewed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0024] When developing the solution, it was identified that it solves problems related to the integrity of the cables, since they are not exposed to the environment. In addition, the present invention provides advantages such as protection against the infiltration of water that falls on the photovoltaic module, such as rain, which commonly uses the wiring as a guide to infiltrate the electrical system (electrical panels and battery banks) associated with the photovoltaic module, damaging it.

Photovoltaic Module with Protection Region

[0025] The photovoltaic module according to the present invention comprises at least one flexible photovoltaic plate glued to a flexible membrane.

[0026] Any flexible photovoltaic board known in the art can be used and is within the scope of the present invention. Flexible membranes include, but are not limited to, a vinyl membrane. Other polymeric membranes can be used and are within the scope of the present invention.

[0027] The protection zone of the photovoltaic module comprises: [0028] a) At least one photovoltaic plate fixed to the upper area of the flexible membrane; [0029] b) At least one cut in the upper area of the flexible membrane that allows the cables to pass from the photovoltaic plate to the lower area of the flexible membrane; and [0030] c) At least one jacket attached to the upper part of the flexible membrane, covering the entire cut of item b).

[0031] In an embodiment according to the present invention, the module comprises a plurality of photovoltaic plates. In another embodiment according to the present invention, the module comprises a plurality of cutouts. In another embodiment according to the present invention, the module comprises a plurality of jackets.

[0032] Several configurations can be made with cables, cutouts and jackets, all within the scope of the present invention. Some non-limiting examples of possible configurations are: a jacket that covers a cutout that houses a cable; a jacket that covers a cutout that houses more than one cable; a jacket covering more than one cutout, where each cutout houses one or more cables; more than one jacket, where each jacket covers a cutout that houses a cable; more than one jacket, where each jacket covers a cutout that houses more than one cable; more than one jacket, where each jacket covers more than one cutout that houses one or more cables.

[0033] Preferably, the photovoltaic module comprises a jacket that covers a cutout that houses a cable.

[0034] This thin-film photovoltaic plate cable access configuration solves at least two problems: [0035] a) vibration of the cable against the canvas (due to the wind, for example) and which, therefore, favors its wear; and [0036] b) prevents the conduction of water into the structure by the cable.

Photovoltaic Plate Cable Protection Method

[0037] The photovoltaic plate cable protection method according to the present invention comprises the steps of: [0038] a) providing at least one photovoltaic plate fixed to the upper area of the flexible membrane; [0039] b) inserting the cable of at least one photovoltaic plate in the region between the upper part of the flexible membrane and at least one jacket; and [0040] c) inserting the end of at least one cable of at least one photovoltaic plate in at least one cut in the upper area of the flexible membrane.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises a plurality of photovoltaic modules. [0042] CUT FOR PASSAGE OF THE WHIP [0043] MAIN MEMBRANE REINFORCEMENT [0044] OVERCOAT PROTECTION [0045] OPENING FOR PASSAGE OF THE WHIP BOTTOM VIEW [0046] CUT PROTECTION [0047] OVERCOVER [0048] JACKET REINFORCEMENT [0049] OPENING FOR PASSAGE OF THE WHIP [0050] MAIN MEMBRANE [0051] TOP VIEW [0052] FIG. 1 [0053] FIG. 2 [0054] FIG. 3