DE102023110095A1 - Photovoltaic unit for providing electrical energy, photovoltaic system and method for producing a photovoltaic unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a photovoltaic unit (100) for providing electrical energy, comprising at least two photovoltaic elements (104, 106) connected to an electrical connector (102), which are arranged and designed to convert light energy into electrical energy, a transparent capsule material (108) with which the at least two photovoltaic elements (104, 106) are positioned relative to one another, wherein the capsule material (108) comprises a unidirectionally fiber-reinforced plastic (110) or the capsule material (108) consists of the unidirectionally fiber-reinforced plastic (110), and wherein fibers (124, 126) of the unidirectionally fiber-reinforced plastic (110) are aligned parallel to a main extension direction (112) of the electrical connector (102).

Description

The invention relates to a photovoltaic unit for providing electrical energy, a photovoltaic system and a method for producing a photovoltaic unit.

Photovoltaic units are generally known. Photovoltaic units are also referred to as photovoltaic modules or PV modules. PV modules include photoactive photovoltaic elements, also referred to as solar cells, which are usually arranged in one plane in the PV modules and connected to one another by electrically conductive structures, such as conductor tracks. The solar cells are usually enclosed in additional materials to provide protection against external influences, particularly moisture and hail.

One requirement for PV modules is that they have a high power output. To achieve this, the material on the side of the PV module facing a light source, in particular the sun, must have a high degree of transmission. In order to prevent losses of the incoming light due to reflection at internal material interfaces, the materials used in the PV module are arranged in such a way that there is essentially no air gap at the interfaces between adjacent materials. Furthermore, the PV modules must be constructed in such a way that they can withstand the changing mechanical stresses during use, in particular due to wind and snow loads and thermal stresses as a result of daily temperature changes.

A common design variant of PV modules provides that the solar cells are embedded in a transparent, elastomer-like capsule material that completely encloses the solar cells or is at least connected to one side of the solar cells. The outer boundary of the PV module is formed by a glass plate on the front, which faces the light source during normal operation, and a back sheet or a glass plate on the back, which are usually connected to the capsule material.

If a back sheet is arranged on the back, this PV module is also called a glass-foil module, if a glass plate is arranged on the back, this PV module is also called a glass-glass module, if a glass plate is arranged on the front. Glass-glass modules usually have sufficient strength if the glass plates have appropriate thicknesses. Glass-foil modules are usually provided with a frame, for example made of aluminum profiles, to ensure appropriate strength of the PV module. In addition to glass-foil and glass-glass modules, there are module design variants with alternative module structures and alternative manufacturing technologies.

The most common manufacturing process for PV modules is lamination. This involves stacking the individual components on top of one another and creating a vacuum inside the laminator and increasing the temperature so that the encapsulation material melts and encloses the solar cells without bubbles. In glass-foil modules, the component stack usually includes a front glass plate, a film layer of the encapsulation material, solar cells, another film layer of the encapsulation material and a back film. In glass-glass modules, a glass plate is used instead of the back film.

Instead of the glass plate on the front, the use of a plastic plate is increasingly being sought in order to reduce the weight of the PV modules. A reduced weight of PV modules is particularly preferred for the arrangement of PV modules on roofs, for example as a retrofit solution. A disadvantage of PV modules with a plastic plate on the front is that after a short period of use of the PV module, failures of one or more solar cells and conductor tracks occur and the PV modules have to be replaced.

The US 2013/192665 A1 discloses a PV module with solar cells surrounded by an elastic material which is enclosed in a glass fibre reinforced plastic. The glass fibre reinforced plastic is intended to improve the resistance to fire.

The US10,553,737 B2 discloses a PV module with solar cells arranged in embedding layers, wherein the embedding layers can be made of fiber-reinforced plastic.

The EP 2 863 443 B1 discloses a photovoltaic panel with a solar cell covered on both sides by a transparent composite material consisting of a glass fiber reinforced plastic, wherein fibers are arranged as a fabric.

What the publications mentioned above have in common is that if the front is made of plastic, the solar modules meet the required standards, but a significantly shorter service life can be expected. In particular, solar cells and conductor tracks fail more quickly with this design, meaning they have to be replaced.

It is an object of the invention to provide a photovoltaic unit for providing electrical energy, a photovoltaic system and a method for producing a photovoltaic unit which reduce or eliminate one or more of the disadvantages mentioned. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a solution which improves the service life of photovoltaic modules.

This object is achieved with a photovoltaic unit, a photovoltaic system and a method according to the features of the independent patent claims. Further advantageous embodiments of these aspects are specified in the respective dependent patent claims. The features disclosed in the patent claims, the description and the drawings can be combined individually in any technologically reasonable manner, with further embodiments of the invention being shown.

According to a first aspect, the object mentioned at the outset is achieved by a photovoltaic unit for providing electrical energy, comprising at least two photovoltaic elements connected to an electrical connector, which are arranged and designed to convert light energy into electrical energy, wherein the electrical connector has a main extension direction, a transparent capsule material with which the at least two photovoltaic elements are positioned relative to one another, wherein the capsule material comprises a unidirectional fiber-reinforced plastic or the capsule material consists of the unidirectional fiber-reinforced plastic, and wherein fibers of the unidirectional fiber-reinforced plastic are aligned parallel to the main extension direction of the electrical connector.

The invention is based on the finding that the materials used in a photovoltaic unit have different thermal expansion coefficients that differ considerably in magnitude. This deviation can generally be greatest between the plastic components and the photovoltaic elements, which are often made of silicon. Unfilled plastics can, for example, have a thermal expansion coefficient that is up to 50 times greater than photovoltaic elements made of silicon. The regular temperature changes during use, for example between day and night, lead to alternating mechanical stresses in the material composite of the photovoltaic unit and, according to the inventor's findings, are a cause of fatigue failure of the individual components, as a result of which photovoltaic units with a front made of plastic have to be regularly repaired or replaced.

The invention was also based on the finding that these thermal cycling stresses lead to a break in the electrical connector, for example the conductor tracks. It is also based on the finding that this failure phenomenon occurs in particular in modules with a plastic plate on the front, since the plastic plate has the previously mentioned different expansion coefficient compared to the photovoltaic elements. The inventor has found that the break in the electrical connector is avoided by the encapsulation material comprising a fiber-reinforced plastic, the fibers of which are aligned parallel to the electrical connector. This stiffens the photovoltaic unit in the direction of the electrical connector in such a way that the temperature-related expansion does not exceed a critical threshold, so that the electrical connector does not break due to the expansion.

Another finding was that with a unidirectional fiber-reinforced capsule material, the hail impact resistance of the PV module required in the relevant regulations and standards can be achieved with a thinner plastic plate on the front than with an identical PV module structure without unidirectional fiber-reinforced capsule material or even without a plastic plate on the front. The reason for this is that thin fibers have a higher breaking strength than compact material.

The photovoltaic unit is designed to provide electrical energy. For this purpose, the photovoltaic unit comprises in particular electrical connections in order to provide the energy converted from light energy into electrical energy by the photovoltaic elements to an external unit.

The photovoltaic unit comprises the at least two photovoltaic elements. Preferably, the photovoltaic unit has a plurality of photovoltaic elements. The photovoltaic elements are arranged and designed to convert light energy into electrical energy. Photovoltaic elements are also referred to as solar cells. The at least two photovoltaic elements are connected to the electrical connector. The electrical connector can, for example, comprise or consist of one, two or more conductor tracks.

The at least two photovoltaic elements are preferably arranged next to one another. The electrical connector preferably extends along the at least two photovoltaic elements. The electrical connector can be arranged on, below and/or next to the at least two photovoltaic elements.

The main extension direction corresponds in particular to the alignment of individual strands that comprise the serially connected photovoltaic elements. The main extension direction of the electrical connector is to be understood in particular as the direction in which the electrical connector extends with its greatest extension. The main extension direction is preferably a straight line, at least in sections. Alternatively or additionally, the main extension direction can be or comprise a curve. Within the main extension direction, the alignment of the electrical connector can also have individual deviations from the main extension direction, for example in the form of a wave or a kink, in particular between two adjacent photovoltaic elements.

It is further preferred that the two or more photovoltaic elements are arranged along an arrangement line and the main extension direction is aligned substantially parallel to the arrangement line. Along the arrangement line, the connector can of course deviate from parallelism on an individual section, the individual section being, for example, less than 10% of the extension of the arrangement line.

The photovoltaic unit further comprises the transparent capsule material with which the at least two photovoltaic elements are positioned relative to one another. The fact that the at least two photovoltaic elements are positioned relative to one another with the capsule material means in particular that the capsule material defines the position of the photovoltaic elements. As explained in more detail below, the at least two photovoltaic elements can be attached to the capsule material and/or embedded in the capsule material.

The fact that the capsule element is transparent means in particular that it is at least partially transparent. In particular, this means that the capsule element is not completely opaque. The capsule material can, for example, have a thickness of 0.1 to 3 mm, preferably 0.2 to 2 mm, in particular between 0.3 and 1 mm.

The unidirectional fiber-reinforced plastic of the encapsulation material preferably has exclusively unidirectionally aligned fibers. Furthermore, the unidirectionally fiber-reinforced plastic preferably has more than 80%, more than 90% or more than 95% fibers aligned parallel to the main direction of extension of the electrical connector. The encapsulation material can, for example, have two layers of the unidirectionally fiber-reinforced plastic, with the at least two photovoltaic elements arranged between these layers. Furthermore, the encapsulation material can preferably have a plurality of layers of the unidirectionally fiber-reinforced plastic. The encapsulation material can also have a further layer whose fibers form an angle with the main direction of extension of the electrical connector. The encapsulation material can, for example, have or consist of one, two or more thermoplastic tapes that have unidirectionally aligned fibers.

It is preferred that the capsule material is arranged and designed such that it encloses the at least two photovoltaic elements, preferably completely encloses them. If the at least two photovoltaic elements are completely enclosed by the capsule material, the photovoltaic elements are in particular embedded in the capsule material.

The capsule material comprises the unidirectional fiber-reinforced plastic or consists of the unidirectional fiber-reinforced plastic. A unidirectional fiber-reinforced plastic is understood to mean in particular a plastic that has fibers and a matrix, wherein the fibers are essentially aligned in a single direction. The fibers are assumed in particular to be ideally parallel and/or homogeneously distributed, although this assumption is theoretical, since deviations from this are regularly observed in practice, since an ideal alignment and distribution cannot be produced in practice. The unidirectional fiber-reinforced plastic is in particular transversely isotropic.

The fibers within the unidirectional fiber-reinforced plastic can be distributed evenly or unevenly. For this purpose, the fibers can either be distributed unevenly during production or the fiber-reinforced plastic can consist of several layers, with, for example, only a middle layer or several middle layers containing the fibers and the outer layers not containing any fibers. Such a fiber-reinforced plastic has the fibers in a middle area.

The fibers of the unidirectional fiber-reinforced plastic are also aligned parallel to the main extension direction of the electrical connector. This has the particular advantage that the encapsulation material has a high rigidity and a low thermal expansion in the direction of the electrical connector, so that the The temperature fluctuations mentioned above do not essentially lead to such an expansion of the photovoltaic unit that it would permanently destroy the electrical connector.

The fact that the fibers of the unidirectional fiber-reinforced plastic are aligned parallel to the main extension direction of the electrical connector means in particular that they are aligned parallel to the main extension direction at least in sections. Of course, due to manufacturing tolerances or due to design conditions, a deviation from parallelism will occur in individual sections. In particular, this means that there is parallelism between the fibers and the electrical connector along more than 60%, more than 70%, more than 80%, more than 90% or more than 95% of an extension of the electrical connector.

The fact that the fibers of the unidirectional fiber-reinforced plastic are aligned parallel to the main extension direction of the electrical connector preferably means that the fibers and the main extension direction of the electrical connector enclose a fiber angle of < 20°, < 15°, < 10°, < 5°, in particular < 2.5°.

A preferred embodiment of the photovoltaic unit is characterized in that the at least two photovoltaic elements are arranged on the capsule material and/or within the capsule material.

The fact that the at least two photovoltaic elements are arranged on the capsule material means in particular that the at least two photovoltaic elements are attached to the capsule material. The fact that the at least two photovoltaic elements are arranged within the capsule material means in particular that they are embedded in the capsule material.

It is preferred that the capsule material is formed in multiple layers and that the at least two photovoltaic elements are arranged between two layers of the capsule material. The fact that the at least two photovoltaic elements are arranged within the capsule material can also mean that they are arranged at least partially within the capsule material.

In a further preferred embodiment of the photovoltaic unit, it is provided that the capsule material has a front layer and a rear layer, between which the at least two photovoltaic elements are arranged, wherein the front layer faces a light source during normal operation and the rear layer faces away from a light source during normal operation, wherein at least the front layer has the unidirectional fiber-reinforced plastic.

The front layer and/or the rear layer are in particular a layer of the unidirectional fiber-reinforced plastic. The front layer and/or the rear layer can be, for example, a tape, in particular a thermoplastic tape. Furthermore, the front layer and/or the rear layer can be a thermosetting semi-finished product.

The front layer preferably borders on an upper side of the photovoltaic element or of the at least two photovoltaic elements. The upper side of the photovoltaic element is in particular the side that faces the light source during normal operation.

Furthermore, it may be preferred that the capsule material has two or more, in particular a plurality of, front layers. Furthermore, the capsule material can have two or more, in particular a plurality of, rear layers. The rear layer preferably adjoins an underside of the photovoltaic element. The underside is in particular the side of the photovoltaic element that faces away from the light source during normal operation.

A light source is understood to be the main light source with which light energy is converted into electrical energy. In normal operation, this will usually be the sun.

A further preferred development of the photovoltaic unit is characterized in that the capsule material has at least one main extension, preferably two main extensions, and the fibers are designed as continuous fibers and preferably have a fiber length that corresponds to more than 50% of the main extension.

The main extension or extensions of the capsule material are in particular the extensions that form the planar extension of the capsule material. In particular, the main extension and/or the main extensions are aligned orthogonally to a strength or thickness of the capsule material. It is further preferred that the fiber length corresponds to more than 60%, more than 70%, more than 80%, more than 90% or more than 95% of the main extension.

The longer the fiber length compared to the main extension, the stronger the capsule material is. As a result, the Thermal expansion of the encapsulation material, so that with increasing fiber length a greater resistance to such expansion is achieved, thus providing reliable protection against damage to the electrical connector.

In a further preferred embodiment of the photovoltaic unit, it is provided that the fibers are or comprise glass fibers. It is also preferred that the fibers are essentially translucent and/or transparent.

It is preferred that a fiber volume content of the unidirectionally fiber-reinforced plastic is less than 60 vol.%, in particular between 5 to 40 vol.%, further preferably between 10 to 30 vol.%.

A further preferred development of the photovoltaic unit is characterized in that the unidirectional fiber-reinforced plastic is a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic. Such a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic has in particular a thermoplastic matrix in which the fibers are unidirectionally embedded. The thermoplastic can be, for example, EVA, POE and/or TPO, it can be crosslinkable or non-crosslinkable.

A further preferred development of the photovoltaic unit is characterized in that the capsule material forms a front side of the photovoltaic unit. The front side is the side that faces a light source, in particular the sun, during normal operation. In this embodiment, no additional cover is provided on the front side. This has the advantage that the photovoltaic unit is particularly lightweight. Furthermore, the fiber-reinforced plastic on the front side offers a number of advantages for the photovoltaic unit during normal operation, since it is hard and elastic at the same time, and is therefore protected against typical weather conditions for photovoltaic units.

Alternatively, the photovoltaic unit can have a separate film or plate on the front side, which is arranged in particular on the encapsulation material to form the front side. The plate is preferably designed as a plastic plate. In addition, it is preferred that the front side is designed to be glass-free.

In a further preferred embodiment of the photovoltaic unit, it comprises a second capsule material which comprises a fiber-reinforced plastic or consists of the fiber-reinforced plastic, wherein the fibers of the capsule material and the second capsule material enclose an angle with one another.

The fiber-reinforced plastic of the second encapsulation material can have the same features as those described above for the fiber-reinforced plastic of the encapsulation material. The second encapsulation material protects the photovoltaic unit against expansion in a direction that is angled to the orientation of the unidirectionally aligned fibers of the encapsulation material. Preferably, the second encapsulation material also has a unidirectional fiber orientation.

In a further preferred embodiment of the photovoltaic unit, it is provided that the photovoltaic elements have a top side and a bottom side, and the fibers are aligned at least on the top side and/or on the bottom side parallel to the main extension direction of the electrical connector.

In a further preferred embodiment of the photovoltaic unit, it is provided that a ratio of a first refractive index of the fibers and a second refractive index of the plastic is between 0.5 and 1.5, in particular between 0.75 and 1.25.

According to a further aspect, the object mentioned at the outset is achieved by a photovoltaic system comprising a mounting device for arranging photovoltaic units, and a plurality of photovoltaic units according to one of the embodiments described above, which are arranged on the mounting device.

According to a further aspect, the object mentioned at the outset is achieved by a method for producing a photovoltaic unit, in particular a photovoltaic unit according to one of the embodiments described above, comprising the steps of: connecting at least two photovoltaic elements to an electrical connector, positioning the at least two photovoltaic elements relative to one another with a capsule material, wherein the capsule material comprises a unidirectional fiber-reinforced plastic or the capsule material consists of the unidirectional fiber-reinforced plastic, and wherein fibers of the unidirectional fiber-reinforced plastic are aligned parallel to a main extension direction of the electrical connector.

It is preferred that the photovoltaic unit, in particular the encapsulation material, is manufactured in such a way that it is free of air gaps. The features of the Photovoltaic unit, the photovoltaic elements, the electrical connector, the encapsulation material, the unidirectional fiber-reinforced plastic and the other features of the photovoltaic unit apply analogously to the process for producing the photovoltaic unit.

For further advantages, design variants and details of the individual aspects and their possible further training, please refer to the description of the other aspects, the corresponding features and further training.

• 1: eine schematische, dreidimensionale Ansicht einer beispielhaften Ausführungsform einer Photovoltaikanlage;
• 2: eine schematische, zweidimensionale Ansicht einer beispielhaften Ausführungsform einer Photovoltaikeinheit;
• 3: eine schematische, zweidimensionale Detailansicht einer beispielhaften Ausführungsform einer Photovoltaikeinheit;
• 4: eine schematische, zweidimensionale Detailansicht einer beispielhaften Ausführungsform einer Photovoltaikeinheit;
• 5: eine schematische, zweidimensionale Detailansicht einer beispielhaften Ausführungsform einer Photovoltaikeinheit;
• 6: eine schematische, zweidimensionale Detailansicht einer beispielhaften Ausführungsform einer Photovoltaikeinheit;
• 7: eine schematische, zweidimensionale Ansicht einer beispielhaften Ausführungsform von zwei benachbarten Photovoltaikeinheiten; und
• 8: eine schematische Ansicht eines beispielhaften Verfahrens.

Preferred embodiments are explained using the accompanying figures. They show:

• 1 : a schematic, three-dimensional view of an exemplary embodiment of a photovoltaic system;
• 2 : a schematic, two-dimensional view of an exemplary embodiment of a photovoltaic unit;
• 3 : a schematic, two-dimensional detailed view of an exemplary embodiment of a photovoltaic unit;
• 4 : a schematic, two-dimensional detailed view of an exemplary embodiment of a photovoltaic unit;
• 5 : a schematic, two-dimensional detailed view of an exemplary embodiment of a photovoltaic unit;
• 6 : a schematic, two-dimensional detailed view of an exemplary embodiment of a photovoltaic unit;
• 7 : a schematic, two-dimensional view of an exemplary embodiment of two adjacent photovoltaic units; and
• 8th : a schematic view of an exemplary process.

In the figures, identical or essentially functionally identical or similar elements are designated by the same reference numerals.

The embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual features of the invention that are to be considered independently of one another, which also develop the invention independently of one another and are therefore to be considered as part of the invention individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by other features of the invention already described.

1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a photovoltaic system 1, which comprises a plurality of photovoltaic units 4-20, which are arranged on a mounting device 2. The photovoltaic units 4-20 can, for example, be designed in an analogous manner to the photovoltaic unit 100 described below.

2 shows an exemplary embodiment of an exemplary photovoltaic unit 100, with a front side 101 facing a light source shown as the sun. The photovoltaic unit 100 comprises two photovoltaic elements 104, 106, which are arranged and designed to convert light energy into electrical energy. The photovoltaic elements 104, 106 are electrically connected to one another with an electrical connector 102. The electrical connector 102 can be a conductor track, for example.

The photovoltaic elements 104, 106 extend from a top side 107 to a bottom side 109. The electrical connector 102 can extend along the top side 107 and/or the bottom side 109. In 2 it is shown that the electrical connector 102 extends on the underside 109 of the photovoltaic element 104 and on the top side 107 of the adjacent photovoltaic element 106. For this purpose, the electrical connector 102 has a jump between the photovoltaic elements 104, 106. For example, in this area of the second section 134, the electrical connector 102 is generally not aligned parallel to the fibers 124, 126 of the encapsulation material 108.

The photovoltaic elements 104, 106 are embedded in the transparent encapsulation material 108, whereby they are positioned. The encapsulation material 108 comprises a unidirectional fiber-reinforced plastic 110, the fibers of which are aligned substantially parallel to a main extension direction 112 of the electrical connector 102.

In 2 a front side element 114, for example made of a transparent plastic, is provided, which forms the front side 101. The front side 101 can alternatively also be formed by the capsule material 108. A carrier element 122 is provided on the back side of the capsule material 108.

In the 3 and 4 different versions of the capsule material 108 are shown. In 3 the capsule material 108 comprises the unidirectional fiber-reinforced plastic 110 both sides of the photovoltaic elements 104, 106, shown schematically by the fibers 124 and 126. In 4 the unidirectional fiber-reinforced plastic 110 is fiber-reinforced only above the photovoltaic elements 104, 106 and is free of fibers below the photovoltaic elements 104, 106.

In the 5 and 6 specific embodiments of the unidirectional fiber-reinforced plastic 110 are shown. The unidirectional fiber-reinforced plastic 110 here comprises various layers, in particular a front layer 128 and a rear layer 130. In the 5 the front layer 128 and the rear layer 130 are constructed analogously, namely with fibers 124, 126. In the 6 only the front layer 128 has fibers 124, whereas the rear layer 130 is free of fibers.

7 shows a schematic, two-dimensional view of an exemplary embodiment of two adjacent photovoltaic units 100. The photovoltaic units 100 each have a plurality of photovoltaic elements, for which two photovoltaic elements 104, 106 are provided with a reference number as an example. The total of 16 photovoltaic elements 104, 106 of each photovoltaic unit 100 are connected in series with the electrical connector 102, wherein the main extension direction 112 of the electrical connector 102 coincides with the direction of the series connection. The fibers of the coupling element (not shown) are aligned parallel to the main extension direction 112.

8th shows a schematic method for producing a photovoltaic unit 100. The method comprises the step: connecting 200 at least two photovoltaic elements 100 to an electrical connector 102. The method further comprises the step: positioning 202 the at least two photovoltaic elements 100 to one another with an encapsulating material 108. The encapsulating material 108 has a unidirectional fiber-reinforced plastic 110 or consists of the unidirectional fiber-reinforced plastic 110, wherein fibers 124, 126 of the unidirectional fiber-reinforced plastic 110 are aligned parallel to the main extension direction 112 of the electrical connector 102.

The photovoltaic unit 100 described above has the advantage that it can be formed without a glass plate forming the front side and at the same time has a high durability. This is achieved in that, despite the fluctuating heat effects on the photovoltaic unit 100, no different expansions occur within the photovoltaic unit 100. This is achieved in particular in that the fibers 124, 126 of the encapsulation material 108 are aligned parallel to the main extension direction 112 of the electrical connector 102. The encapsulation material 102 thus has a high strength in the direction of the electrical connector 102, which does not cause any damage to the electrical connector 102 despite the high heat effects on the photovoltaic unit 100. A generally better and more durable photovoltaic unit 100 is thus provided.

REFERENCE SIGNS

1

Photovoltaic system

2

Mounting device

4

Photovoltaic unit

6

Photovoltaic unit

8th

Photovoltaic unit

10

Photovoltaic unit

12

Photovoltaic unit

14

Photovoltaic unit

16

Photovoltaic unit

18

Photovoltaic unit

20

Photovoltaic unit

100

Photovoltaic unit

101

front

102

electrical connector

104

Photovoltaic element

106

Photovoltaic element

107

Top

108

Capsule material

109

bottom

110

unidirectional fiber reinforced plastic

112

Main extension direction of the electrical connector

114

Front element

122

Support element

124

Fibers

126

Fibers

128

front position

130

rear position

132

first section

134

second part

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 2013192665 A1 [0008]
• US 10553737 B2 [0009]
• EP 2863443 B1 [0010]

Claims (12)

Photovoltaic unit (100) for providing electrical energy, comprising - at least two photovoltaic elements (104, 106) connected to an electrical connector (102), which are arranged and designed to convert light energy into electrical energy, wherein the electrical connector has a main extension direction, - a transparent capsule material (108) with which the at least two photovoltaic elements (104, 106) are positioned relative to one another, - wherein the capsule material (108) comprises a unidirectional fiber-reinforced plastic (110) or the capsule material (108) consists of the unidirectional fiber-reinforced plastic (110), and - wherein fibers (124, 126) of the unidirectional fiber-reinforced plastic (110) are aligned parallel to the main extension direction (112) of the electrical connector (102). Photovoltaic unit (100) after Claim 1 , wherein - the at least two photovoltaic elements (104, 106) are arranged on the capsule material (108) and/or within the capsule material (108). Photovoltaic unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the encapsulation material (108) has a front layer (128) and a rear layer (130), between which the at least two photovoltaic elements (104, 106) are arranged, - the front layer (128) faces a light source during normal operation and the rear layer (130) faces away from a light source during normal operation, - at least the front layer (128) has the unidirectional fiber-reinforced plastic (110). Photovoltaic unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the capsule material (108) has at least one main extension, preferably two main extensions, and - the fibers (124, 126) are designed as continuous fibers and preferably have a fiber length that corresponds to more than 50% of the main extension. Photovoltaic unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the fibers (124, 126) are or comprise glass fibers. Photovoltaic unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the unidirectional fiber-reinforced plastic (110) is a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (110). Photovoltaic unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the encapsulation material (108) forms a front side (101) of the photovoltaic unit (100). Photovoltaic unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising - a second encapsulation material which comprises a fibre-reinforced plastic (110) or consists of the fibre-reinforced plastic (110), wherein the fibres (124, 126) of the encapsulation material (108) and of the second encapsulation material form an angle with one another. Photovoltaic unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the photovoltaic elements (104, 106) have a top side (107) and a bottom side (109), and - the fibers (124, 126) are aligned parallel to the main extension direction (112) of the electrical connector (102) at least on the top side (107) and/or on the bottom side (109). Photovoltaic unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - a ratio of a first refractive index of the fibers (124, 126) and a second refractive index of the plastic (110) is between 0.5 and 1.5, in particular between 0.75 and 1.25. Photovoltaic system (1), comprising - a mounting device (2) for arranging photovoltaic units (100), and - a plurality of photovoltaic units (4-20, 100) according to one of the preceding Claims 1 - 10 which are arranged on the holding device (2). Method for producing a photovoltaic unit (100), in particular a photovoltaic unit (100) according to one of the preceding Claims 1 - 10 , comprising the steps: - connecting at least two photovoltaic elements (104, 106) to an electrical connector (102), - positioning the at least two photovoltaic elements (104, 106) relative to one another with an encapsulation material (108), - wherein the encapsulation material (108) comprises a unidirectionally fiber-reinforced plastic (110) or the encapsulation material (108) consists of the unidirectionally fiber-reinforced plastic (110), and - wherein fibers (124, 126) of the unidirectionally fiber-reinforced plastic (110) are aligned parallel to a main extension direction (112) of the electrical connector (102).

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