阅读说明：本技术 太阳能发电装置的多面的功率优化 (Multi-sided power optimization for solar power plants ) 是由 迈克尔·布莱恩·惠特威克 奥利弗·齐默尔曼 克里斯多夫·麦卡宏 王孟 于 2020-03-04 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明提供了一种用于光伏发电装置的三维光伏结构和功率优化器。所述光伏结构可以包括两个或更多个光伏材料面组,所述两个或更多个光伏材料面组包括具有至少部分彼此不同取向的一个或多个光伏材料面。在实施例中,每个光伏材料面可以可操作地耦合到功率优化器,例如最大功率点跟踪(MPPT)电子设备,从而实现每个面的功率输出的独立功率优化。(The invention provides a three-dimensional photovoltaic structure and a power optimizer for a photovoltaic power generation device. The photovoltaic structure may include two or more photovoltaic material facet groups including one or more photovoltaic material facets having at least partially different orientations from each other. In embodiments, each photovoltaic material facet may be operably coupled to a power optimizer, such as Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) electronics, to enable independent power optimization of the power output of each facet.)

1. A photovoltaic power generation apparatus, comprising:

one or more three-dimensional photovoltaic structures that generate electrical energy, each photovoltaic structure comprising:

two or more photovoltaic material facet groups, each photovoltaic material facet group comprising:

one or more photovoltaic material facets;

a cladding layer disposed on the one or more photovoltaic material faces, and

a substrate layer on which the one or more faces of photovoltaic material are disposed;

wherein the two or more groups of photovoltaic material facets are oriented at angles that are at least partially different from each other; and

one or more power optimizers operably connected to the two or more photovoltaic material surface groups, wherein operation of each of the two or more photovoltaic material surface groups is independently controlled by the one or more power optimizers.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more power optimizers are configured as electronic components comprising a processor and machine executable instructions that when executed by the processor perform power optimization.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more power optimizers are configured as an integrated circuit.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more power optimizers are configured to perform optimization using one or more of: maximum power point tracking, variable inductors, curve fitting, incremental resistance, incremental conductance, parasitic capacitance, forced oscillation, ripple correlation, current sweep, and fuzzy logic optimization.

5. The apparatus of claim 2 or 3, wherein the one or more power optimizers are configured to perform maximum power point tracking.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein one or more photovoltaic material planes associated with a first photovoltaic material plane group are oriented in a first direction and one or more photovoltaic material planes associated with a second photovoltaic material plane group are oriented in a second direction, the first direction being different from the second direction.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein a first power optimizer is operatively coupled to one or more photovoltaic material facets associated with the first group of photovoltaic material facets and a second power optimizer is operatively coupled to one or more photovoltaic material facets associated with the second group of photovoltaic material facets.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first power optimizer and the second power optimizer operate independently.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more power optimizers are operably connected to an auxiliary micro-inverter configured to provide additional power optimization.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more power optimizers are operably connected to one or more of a DC-DC converter, a DC-AC converter, a battery storage system, a power grid, and a load.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more photovoltaic material faces is curvilinear.

12. A three-dimensional photovoltaic structure for generating electricity, the structure comprising:

two or more photovoltaic material facet groups, each photovoltaic material facet group comprising:

one or more photovoltaic material planes, each photovoltaic material plane operably connected to a power optimizer;

a cladding layer disposed on the one or more photovoltaic material faces; and

a substrate layer on which the one or more faces of photovoltaic material are disposed;

wherein the two or more groups of photovoltaic material facets are oriented at angles that are at least partially different from each other.

13. The architecture of claim 12, wherein at least one of the power optimizers is configured as an electronic component comprising a processor and machine executable instructions that when executed by the processor perform power optimization.

14. The structure of claim 12, wherein at least one of the power optimizers is configured as an integrated circuit.

15. The structure of claim 12, wherein at least one of the power optimizers is configured to perform optimization using one or more of: maximum power point tracking, variable inductors, curve fitting, incremental resistance, incremental conductance, parasitic capacitance, forced oscillation, ripple correlation, current sweep, and fuzzy logic optimization.

16. The structure of claim 13 or 14, wherein at least one of the power optimizers is configured to perform maximum power point tracking.

17. The structure of claim 12, wherein one or more photovoltaic material planes associated with a first photovoltaic material plane group are oriented in a first direction and one or more photovoltaic material planes associated with a second photovoltaic material plane group are oriented in a second direction, the first direction being different from the second direction.

18. The structure of claim 17, wherein a first power optimizer is operatively coupled to one or more photovoltaic material facets associated with the first group of photovoltaic material facets and a second power optimizer is operatively coupled to one or more photovoltaic material facets associated with the second group of photovoltaic material facets.

19. The architecture of claim 18, wherein the first and second power optimizers operate independently.

20. The structure of claim 12, wherein the one or more power optimizers are operably connected to an auxiliary micro-inverter configured to provide additional power optimization.

21. The structure of claim 12, wherein the one or more power optimizers are operably connected to one or more of a DC-DC converter, a DC-AC converter, a battery storage system, a power grid, and a load.

22. The structure of claim 12, wherein at least one of the one or more photovoltaic material faces is curvilinear.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of photovoltaic power generation, and in particular, to power optimization of three-dimensional photovoltaic structures and power generation devices.

Background

The performance of many photovoltaic power plants is often affected by shadows on the photovoltaic equipment. For example, the total power output of a photovoltaic power plant may be reduced by shadows on the solar cells (e.g., solar panels or modules). Even a small shadow on a solar cell, panel, or other module that has a large impact on power generation, the adverse effects can be substantial. It is therefore clear that the performance of such a device is limited by the shading on the solar cell without correction of the power generation means.

In general, typical solar cells of photovoltaic power generation devices generate an electric field using a p-n junction for photogenerated carrier separation. The separation of charge carriers will produce a non-uniform distribution of charged particles. A non-uniform distribution of charged particles will generate an electric field for carrier transport. The carriers will travel in the opposite direction to the p-n junction (e.g., away from the p-n junction). In the absence of light for photogenerated carriers, the p-n junction is, in fact, only a diode with low resistance in the opposite direction of the photogenerated current. Therefore, during power generation, the performance of the photovoltaic power generation apparatus may be degraded due to naturally occurring shadows, such as shadows due to debris, leaves, or clouds.

Furthermore, for similar reasons, the total energy generated by a photovoltaic power plant may also be limited by other local factors, such as the weather in the area where the photovoltaic power plant is located or the structure of the photovoltaic power plant.

In order to address the above-mentioned problems, attempts have been made to develop photovoltaic structures, devices and/or cells having improved solar cell energy conversion efficiency. One such attempt includes the introduction of three-dimensional structures/geometries in photovoltaic power generation devices. In some photovoltaic power generation devices, three-dimensional structures are nominally added to two-dimensional solar cells in order to reduce light reflection losses and improve light capture. For example, a three-dimensional structure may be more efficient with respect to capturing sunlight during a day. Such a photovoltaic power generation device is less affected by the shadow of the photovoltaic material. This is particularly relevant for larger scale three-dimensional structures having dimensions larger than the typical charge carrier diffusion length. However, although the structure is available with recent advances in nanotechnology, there are still unsolved problems, including high manufacturing costs.

WO2017185188a1 discloses a three-dimensional photovoltaic structure and a power generation device comprising the three-dimensional photovoltaic structure. The photovoltaic structure includes a light-transmissive solid core having a longitudinal axis, a top end, a bottom end, and one or more sidewalls, wherein the top end has an exposed outer surface to receive light. A photovoltaic layer surrounds at least a portion of one or more sidewalls of the optical core and an optical cladding surrounds the photovoltaic layer. However, the publication does not explain the configuration of a three-dimensional photovoltaic structure, wherein the shading of the photovoltaic structure would limit the solar energy conversion rate.

Accordingly, there is a need for a photovoltaic power generation structure/solar cell that can exhibit improved conversion of solar radiation to electrical energy without one or more limitations of the prior art.

This background information is provided to reveal information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present invention. It is not an admission and should not be construed that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art against the present invention.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide multi-faceted power optimization of a solar power plant. According to one aspect of the invention, a three-dimensional photovoltaic structure with local power optimization in a power plant is provided. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a photovoltaic power generation apparatus comprising one or more three-dimensional photovoltaic structures that generate electrical energy, each photovoltaic structure comprising two or more photovoltaic material surface groups. Each photovoltaic material face group includes one or more photovoltaic material faces, a cladding layer disposed on the one or more photovoltaic material faces, and a substrate layer on which the one or more photovoltaic material faces are disposed. The two or more groups of photovoltaic material facets are oriented at least partially different angles. The apparatus also includes one or more power optimizers operably connected to two or more photovoltaic material level groups, wherein operation of each of the two or more photovoltaic material level groups is independently controlled by the one or more power optimizers.

According to another aspect of the invention, a three-dimensional photovoltaic structure is provided that generates electrical energy. The structure includes two or more photovoltaic material facet groups, each photovoltaic material facet group including one or more photovoltaic material facets oriented in a single direction, each photovoltaic material facet operably connected to a power optimizer. Each photovoltaic material face also includes a cladding layer disposed on one or more photovoltaic material faces and a substrate layer on which the one or more photovoltaic material faces are disposed. Each of the two or more groups of photovoltaic material facets are oriented at an angle that is at least partially different from each other.

In some embodiments, the one or more power optimizers are configured as electronic components including a processor and machine executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, perform power optimization. In some embodiments, the one or more power optimizers are configured as an integrated circuit. In some embodiments, the one or more power optimizers are configured to perform the optimization using one or more of: maximum power point tracking, variable inductors, curve fitting, incremental resistance, incremental conductance, parasitic capacitance, forced oscillation, ripple correlation, current sweep, and fuzzy logic optimization.

In some embodiments, one or more photovoltaic material faces associated with a first photovoltaic material face group are oriented in a first direction and one or more photovoltaic material faces associated with a second photovoltaic material face group are oriented in a second direction, the first direction being different from the second direction. In some embodiments, the first power optimizer is operably coupled to one or more photovoltaic material sides associated with the first group of photovoltaic material sides, and the second power optimizer is operably coupled to one or more photovoltaic material sides associated with the second photovoltaic material side. In some embodiments, the first power optimizer and the second power optimizer operate independently.

In some embodiments, one or more power optimizers are operably connected to the auxiliary micro-inverter, which is configured to provide additional power optimization. In some embodiments, the one or more power optimizers are operably connected to one or more of a DC-DC converter, a DC-AC converter, a battery storage system, a grid, and a load.

In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more photovoltaic material faces is curvilinear.

The embodiments have been described above in connection with various aspects of the invention which may be practiced on embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments may be practiced in conjunction with the aspects described above, but may also be practiced in conjunction with other embodiments of this aspect. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when the embodiments are mutually exclusive or otherwise incompatible with each other. Some embodiments may be described with respect to one aspect, but may be applicable to other aspects as well, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Drawings

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 shows a photovoltaic power plant with two photovoltaic material planes according to an embodiment of the invention in a side view.

Fig. 2 illustrates the power output of a three-dimensional photovoltaic device having two photovoltaic surfaces of different directions, optimized based on the output of the entire device, or optimized based on a single photovoltaic surface, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3 shows a photovoltaic power plant with four photovoltaic material planes according to an embodiment of the invention in a side view.

Fig. 4A and 4B show, in perspective view and top view, a photovoltaic power generation device having four photovoltaic material faces of an inverted pyramidal shape according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4C and 4D show in perspective and top views a photovoltaic power generation apparatus having four photovoltaic material planes, wherein two photovoltaic material planes share a power optimizer, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 5A and 5B illustrate in perspective and top views a photovoltaic power generation apparatus having two non-planar photovoltaic material faces with an inverted conical shape according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 illustrates, in side view, a photovoltaic power generation system having two photovoltaic material facet groups forming a three-dimensional corrugated structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

It should be noted that throughout the drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals.

Detailed Description

As used herein, the term "about" should be understood to include variations from the nominal value, e.g., +/-10% variations from the nominal value. It is to be understood that such a variation is always included in a given value provided herein, whether or not it is specifically referred to.

As used herein, the term "geometric prism" refers to a three-dimensional shape or geometry having a top surface and a bottom surface connected by flat or curved sidewalls. Geometric prisms may also be referred to herein as microprisms and include cylinders, cubes, cuboids, triangular prisms, rectangular prisms, pentagonal prisms, hexagonal prisms, octagonal prisms, and the like. In some embodiments, the top and bottom surfaces are disposed in parallel. In some embodiments, the top and bottom surfaces are equal or similar in size and shape. However, it is also contemplated that some geometric prisms may have top and bottom surfaces of different sizes and/or shapes, such as seen in the shape of a truncated cone, frustum, or frustum of a cone.

As used herein, the term "tapered" refers to a three-dimensional shape or geometry that tapers from the top surface to the bottom surface or from the bottom surface to the top surface. In some embodiments, one of the top and bottom surfaces may be a point or a vertex. In some embodiments, both the top and bottom surfaces have a non-zero surface area, while the top surface is smaller than the bottom surface, or vice versa, wherein the side surfaces or sidewalls are not parallel. The tapered structure may have a cross-sectional shape that is circular, triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, or other shape as will be readily appreciated. Example tapers may include cones, pyramids, and the like.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

It has been recognized that the negative effects of shadowing can be mitigated by mounting bypass diodes on individual solar cells, solar cell groups, or solar cell modules. This method may partially prevent the shaded solar cells or solar cell groups or solar cell modules from being damaged during the power generation process until the shading affecting the solar cells is reduced. Furthermore, it is also recognized that power optimization can be used to mitigate the negative effects of solar cell shading. A micro-inverter or power optimizer using Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) hardware/software/firmware may be used to substantially match the output load impedance to the power produced by the solar cell, which varies with the amount of light.

The present invention provides a photovoltaic power generation device, including but not limited to optical elements, structural elements, and reflective elements, which can provide a means to mitigate the effects of shadows on the operating characteristics of the photovoltaic power generation device. According to some embodiments, the photovoltaic power generation apparatus includes a three-dimensional photovoltaic structure and a power optimizer. In some embodiments, the photovoltaic power generation apparatus includes one or more three-dimensional photovoltaic structures. In some embodiments, the photovoltaic power generation apparatus includes a plurality of three-dimensional photovoltaic structures, each of which may be structurally and/or functionally equivalent to one another. For example, similar photovoltaic structures may be repeatedly placed within a photovoltaic power generation device. The three-dimensional photovoltaic structure may be shaped in a three-dimensional geometry, such as a geometric prism or a cone.

According to an embodiment, the three-dimensional photovoltaic structure comprises two or more sets of photovoltaic material facets. In some embodiments, each photovoltaic material facet group may be defined by a shared orientation and a shared power optimizer relative to a reference, such as a power generation mounting plane. For example, each photovoltaic material face in the same group of photovoltaic material faces may be configured to have substantially the same orientation or be oriented in the same direction relative to an intended reference face. In some embodiments of the invention, these planes may be adjusted to a particular solar angle of incidence. In some embodiments, two or more photovoltaic material planes in the same photovoltaic material plane group may be coupled to the same power optimizer. In some embodiments, photovoltaic material planes in different photovoltaic material plane groups may be coupled to the same power optimizer, sharing the power optimizer.

According to an embodiment, each group of photovoltaic material faces comprises one or more photovoltaic material elements. The photovoltaic material plane can be optimized for three-dimensional photovoltaic structures in terms of power generation. Each photovoltaic material element may be configured such that each group of photovoltaic faces is wired in series such that the total voltage is increased and each photovoltaic element of the face is aligned along the same direction relative to the entire unit. One or more photovoltaic material facets can be combined together to form a three-dimensional photovoltaic structure. The three-dimensional photovoltaic structure may be configured in a geometric prism shape, which may provide efficient power generation. In some embodiments, one or more photovoltaic material planes may be coupled to a power optimizer, such as Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) electronics, a charge controller, or inverter electronics, to provide efficient power generation over a wide range of solar incident angles and to be robust to local shadows.

According to embodiments, photovoltaic conversion may occur at photovoltaic material sides, where each material side may be comprised of solar cells, which may include one or more types of solar cells. Embodiments may include one or more useful solar cell material technologies that may include amorphous silicon, bio-hybrid, cadmium telluride, concentrated, copper indium gallium selenide, crystalline silicon, dye sensitized, gallium arsenide germanium, hybrid, luminescent solar concentrator, tandem, single crystalline silicon, multi-junction, nanocrystal, organic, perovskite, photoelectrochemical, plasma, poly, quantum dot, solid state, thin film, heterojunction with an intrinsic thin layer, interdigitated back contact, rectenna, nanotube, graphene, or schottky solar cells. It will be readily appreciated that these examples will be considered as non-limiting potential solar cell technologies. One or more characteristics of the solar cell may be selected and configured to perform the most efficient power generation by the photovoltaic power generation apparatus. The characteristics of the solar cell may include reflectivity, light absorption rate, and recombination rate. In some embodiments, one or more solar cells can be provided as a layer, and the photovoltaic material side can also be referred to as a photovoltaic layer.

According to an embodiment, the photovoltaic layer may include an upper metal layer, one or more conductive layers, and a lower metal layer. The upper metal layer may be adjacent to the cladding layer and disposed on the one or more conductive layers. One or more conductive layers may be disposed on the lower metal layer. The lower metal layer may be adjacent to and disposed on the substrate layer.

According to an embodiment, the conductive layer may be a semiconductor layer and may be referred to as a P-N junction layer. The conductive layer may include one or more P-N junctions. According to the photovoltaic effect, the P-N junction may be configured to generate a voltage in response to photon bombardment and penetration.

In some embodiments, each semiconductor layer or P-N junction may be composed of a photovoltaic material to facilitate a wide range of light absorption and charge separation mechanisms. Some examples of photovoltaic materials that may be used for the semiconductor layer or P-N junction include crystalline silicon (c-Si), single crystal silicon, polycrystalline silicon, ribbon silicon (ribbon silicon), mono-like-silicon (mono-like-multi silicon), cadmium telluride, copper indium gallium selenide, silicon thin films, gallium arsenide thin films, and any combination thereof.

According to an embodiment, the tips of the photovoltaic structures, whether they are three-dimensional or not, can be directly exposed to sunlight, thereby enabling energy conversion. Light (e.g., solar radiation) is received and/or captured on at least one side of the photovoltaic material face, and the received/captured light can be converted to electrical energy by a photovoltaic power generation device. In some embodiments, the top end of the photovoltaic structure may be treated differently in order to more efficiently receive or capture light. For example, the photovoltaic structure may be configured to have a unique geometry or may be coated with a thin dust-proof film. Other means for enhancing the light collection or capture properties of photovoltaic structures may include the incorporation of one or more nanostructures, concentration using one or more optical elements including concentrators, reflectors, refractors, and the like, active solar tracking, and the inclusion of an on-cell anti-reflective coating. It will be readily appreciated that these examples will be considered as non-limiting potential means for enhancing the light collection or capture properties of a photovoltaic structure.

According to an embodiment, a power optimizer is provided that is operably coupled to a photovoltaic material side. In some embodiments, a power optimizer may refer to an external electronic component (e.g., located outside of a photovoltaic structure) that constantly changes the load placed on the photovoltaic structure in order to maximize the overall performance (e.g., power output) of the photovoltaic power plant. Due to the disparity in performance of photovoltaic structures, power optimizers may be useful. The inconsistency in the performance of photovoltaic structures may be caused by variations in the amount of light input. The power optimizer may be individually coupled to elements designed to control the amount of light input to the photovoltaic structure.

In some embodiments, the power optimizer may take the form of an electronic component that may have firmware/software for performing the optimization or may be configured as an integrated circuit. The power optimizer may use one or more power optimization techniques, including Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). The power optimization techniques may also include the use of variable inductors, curve fitting, incremental resistance, incremental conductance, parasitic capacitance, forced oscillation, ripple correlation, current sweeping, hill climbing algorithms, three-point weighting techniques, fuzzy logic optimization, SC current relays, DC link capacitor droop control, state-based techniques, gradient or look-up table methods. It will be readily appreciated that these examples are to be considered as non-limiting to potential power optimization techniques. MPPT techniques may be operatively used by or coupled to DC-DC (direct current to direct current) boost conversion circuitry (e.g., a DC-DC converter) or DC-AC (direct current to alternating current) inverter circuitry (e.g., a solar micro-inverter) in an attempt to maximize the energy collected from a photovoltaic material surface set.

According to an embodiment, the power generated by the photovoltaic material surface group and optimized by the power optimizer may be the only power source used by the one or more electrical devices. In some embodiments, the power generated by the photovoltaic material surface groups and optimized by the power optimizer may be combined with the output of other power sources for use by one or more electrical devices. In some embodiments, the power generated by the photovoltaic material panels and optimized by the power optimizer may be used in real time, stored in a battery, provided as input into the grid, or used for other purposes as deemed appropriate and readily understood by those skilled in the art.

According to an embodiment, improvements to photovoltaic power generation devices having three-dimensional photovoltaic structures are provided to generate enhanced power output without changing the physical or chemical properties of the semiconductors of the photovoltaic material side, thereby enabling enhanced power generation in the event of insufficient light. Some embodiments may minimize the adverse effects of shadows on the power generation units from external factors such as clouds or nearby objects. Similarly, some embodiments may allow the power generation unit to operate efficiently due to reduced lighting conditions, such as cloudy conditions, dusk, dawn, rain, snow, fog, haze, pollution, smoke, ash, dust or dirt, and the like. In some embodiments, the three-dimensional structure provides increased photovoltaic surface area in a compact space. The photovoltaic surface group may have a plurality of orientations with respect to a reference plane of the power supply unit (e.g., a mounting plane of the photovoltaic surface); light can thus be collected over a large range of angles of incidence of the light, a feature in low-light conditions where scattering and reflection of light due to objects and particles may occur. It should be understood that the amount of light on different sets of photovoltaic facets may vary under one instance and over time, where some facets may receive more light than others. Since the power optimizer has an optimal input range that is typically tuned to normal lighting conditions, separating the brighter groups of photovoltaic faces from the darker groups of photovoltaic faces may allow for improved operation of the power generation unit. In some embodiments, using a local power optimizer operably coupled to a separate set of photovoltaic material facets, the performance of a photovoltaic structure can be improved by up to 300% compared to the performance of the same photovoltaic structure without the local power optimizer. In this way, the power optimizer can dynamically adjust the mitigation of shadows based on the local operation of the photovoltaic surface associated therewith.

According to an embodiment, improvements to photovoltaic power generation devices having three-dimensional photovoltaic structures are provided to generate more power output during power generation under normal or intense light conditions without changing the physical or chemical properties of the semiconductors of the photovoltaic material plane. In some embodiments, the three-dimensional structure provides additional photovoltaic surface area to enable capture or concentration of light. The set of photovoltaic surfaces may have a plurality of orientations relative to a reference surface of the power generation unit (such as a mounting surface of a photovoltaic material surface); light can be collected over a large range of incidence angles of light, such as occurs during the natural variation of the angle of incidence of the sun from floating dust to dawn during the day. The use of a local power optimizer operatively coupled to each photovoltaic material facet group allows tuning of the photovoltaic facet for multiple solar incident angles, allowing it to operate more efficiently over the course of a day, month or year. In some embodiments, it has been found that tuning can bring the performance of the photovoltaic structure up to 150% under normal lighting conditions.

According to an embodiment, by locating the operating characteristics of the photovoltaic surfaces, each surface can be tuned substantially independently based on the light they receive. The tuning may be performed dynamically to mitigate fluctuations in photovoltaic surface operation over time. For example, where a set of photovoltaic faces includes two photovoltaic faces oriented at different angles relative to each other, each of these faces will be imprinted by a different level of light impression. By dynamically and independently controlling the optimization of the operation and power conversion of each of these photovoltaic surfaces, it is possible to achieve improved operation compared to the optimization of the group of photovoltaic surfaces as a unit. For example, it should be understood that optimization of a group of photovoltaic facets as a unit may be considered as optimization of the "average" of the photovoltaic facets of the group, which may result in sub-optimization of the operation and power conversion of the photovoltaic facets.

Fig. 1 shows a photovoltaic power plant with two separate photovoltaic material planes according to an embodiment of the invention in a side view. According to an embodiment, the photovoltaic power generation apparatus 100 may include a generating photovoltaic structure 110 and power optimizing electronics 14a and 14b (e.g., local power optimizers), as well as an electrical load/grid 18 a. The power generating photovoltaic structure 110 can include photovoltaic material faces 11a and 11b, cladding layer 10a, and substrate layer 12 a. Each of the photovoltaic material faces 11a and 11b may form a separate group of photovoltaic material faces. In some embodiments, two or more photovoltaic material faces may form one photovoltaic material face group. In some embodiments, the photovoltaic power generation apparatus 100 may further include additional electronic components 16 a.

Referring to fig. 1, each of the photovoltaic material planes 11a and 11b may be operably connected to independent power optimization electronics 14a and 14 b. The photovoltaic material face 11a may be operatively connected to power optimization electronics (e.g., local power optimizer) 14a via a connection component 13 a; and the photovoltaic material face 11b may be operatively connected to power optimization electronics (e.g., local power optimizer) 14b via a connection component 13 b. Each of the power-optimized electronic devices 14a and 14b may be operatively connected to the additional electronic component 16a via the connection components 15a and 15b, respectively. The additional electronic component 16a may be operatively connected to an electronic load/grid 18a via a connection component 17 a.

According to an embodiment, cladding layer 10a may be disposed on photovoltaic material sides 11a and 11b, which photovoltaic material sides 11a and 11b may be disposed on substrate layer 12 a. Although the clad layer 10a is close to the photovoltaic material faces 11a and 11b, the clad layer 10a and the photovoltaic material faces 11a and 11b may not be in direct contact with each other and a thin gap may exist therebetween. Similarly, although the substrate layer 12a is close to the photovoltaic material surfaces 11a and 11b, the substrate layer 12a and the photovoltaic material surfaces 11a and 11b may not be in direct contact with each other and there may be a thin gap between them. However, in some embodiments, at least a portion of cladding layer 10a may be in direct contact with photovoltaic material faces 11a and 11 b. Similarly, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the substrate layer 12a may be in direct contact with the photovoltaic material sides 11a and 11 b. The substrate layer 12a may provide some space for the connection between the photovoltaic material plane (11a, 11b) and the power-optimizing electronics (14a, 14 b). In some embodiments, at least a portion of cladding layer 10a and substrate layer 12a may be in contact with each other.

According to an embodiment, the cladding layer 10a may be configured using a mixture of optical, light trapping, anti-reflection, structural, anti-slip, thermal management, water sealing, and bonding elements. The substrate layer 12a may be configured using a mixture of antireflective, light trapping, structural, water-resistant, thermal management, and bonding elements.

The photovoltaic material faces 11a and 11b may be made of a photovoltaic material having light absorption characteristics. In some embodiments, the photovoltaic material sides 11a and 11b may be configured with a single layer of photovoltaic material. In some embodiments, the photovoltaic material facets 11a and 11b may be configured with multiple layers of photovoltaic material to facilitate a wide range of light absorption and charge separation mechanisms. Some examples of photovoltaic materials that can be used for the photovoltaic material side include crystalline silicon (c-Si), single crystal silicon, polycrystalline silicon, ribbon silicon, mono-like silicon, cadmium telluride, copper indium gallium selenide, thin films of silicon, gallium arsenide, and the like, or any combination thereof.

According to embodiments, each of the photovoltaic material faces 11a and 11b may be configured to have any orientation relative to a reference plane (such as a mounting plane of the power generation unit) at an angle different from each other. The multiple photovoltaic material facets may form elements of a light management structure or an optimal mounting configuration for particular light conditions such as solar incidence angles or for capturing environmental scattering. In summary, the photovoltaic material faces 11a and 11b can be configured to optimize the energy production of the unit over the course of a day or year. Furthermore, the need to have a photovoltaic material face at the bottom of the three-dimensional photovoltaic structure may be limited due to the absence or significant reduction of the surface area of the bottom.

According to embodiments, the local power optimization electronics 14a and 14b may continuously vary the load placed on the photovoltaic structure in order to maximize the overall performance (e.g., power output) of the photovoltaic power plant.

According to an embodiment, the additional electronic component 16a may capture the energy or power transmitted from the power-optimizing electronics 14a and 14 b. The additional electronic components 16a may combine and/or prepare the energy/power from the power-optimizing electronics 14a and 14b prior to transferring the energy/power to the electronic load 18 a. In some embodiments, additional power optimization electronics, such as auxiliary micro-inverters, may be operably connected to the local power optimization electronics 14a and 14b through additional electronics 16 a.

Various forms and types may be used for the additional electronic component 16a, depending on the embodiment. Solar power generation systems typically have additional electronics to vary the power generated to suit the load of the desired application. In some embodiments, the additional electronic component 16a may be a set of common wires connected in series or parallel. In some embodiments, the additional electronic component 16a may be one or more electrical devices, such as a DC-DC converter, a DC-AC inverter, a battery storage system, a power grid, or a direct connection to a load. The additional electronic components 16a may be capable of carrying or managing any voltage, frequency, amperage, or wattage of DC (direct current) or AC (alternating current).

According to an embodiment, the load 18a may be an electrical device that captures and consumes electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic material panels. The load 18a may be capable of acquiring, consuming, or managing any voltage, frequency, amperage, or wattage of DC or AC. In some embodiments, the load 18a may directly consume energy generated by the photovoltaic material surface. In some embodiments, the load 18a may store energy into an accumulator or battery. In some embodiments, the load 18a may transfer energy to the grid (e.g., off-load to the grid).

Various forms and types may be used for the connection assemblies 13a, 13b, 15a, 15b, and 17a according to embodiments. In some embodiments, one or more of the connection assemblies 13a, 13b, 15a, 15b, and 17a may be conventional wires. In some embodiments, one or more of the connection assemblies 13a, 13b, 15a, 15b, and 17a may be a set of transmitters and receivers for wireless power transfer or wireless power transfer. As such, the power or power transmission via the connection assembly 13a, 13b, 15a, 15b, or 17a may be a wired transmission, a wireless transmission, or a combination thereof.

FIG. 2 illustrates power output from a three-dimensional photovoltaic device having two photovoltaic surfaces with different orientations, wherein the power output is optimized based on the output from the entire device, or based on the individual photovoltaic surfaces, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The graph shows the constant change in power output during a day, and in the graph, this day is considered to be a day full of sunlight. Curve 301 shows the optimized power output of a three-dimensional photovoltaic device with two photovoltaic surfaces of different orientation, wherein the output power is optimized based on the full output of the device, i.e. the output power of both surfaces is optimized together. It should be noted that power is substantially maximized at noon when both faces are likely to be fully illuminated. Curve 201 shows the optimized power output of a three-dimensional photovoltaic device having two photovoltaic surfaces of different orientation, wherein the output power of each photovoltaic surface is independently optimized according to an embodiment of the present invention. Curve 211a shows the optimized power output for the first photovoltaic surface and curve 211b shows the optimized power output for the second photovoltaic surface. As can be seen from curves 211a and 211b, its optimized power output peaks at different times during the day due to its orientation relative to the changing position of the sun during the day. It can be seen from figure 2 that the three-dimensional structure, when combined with the independent power optimization of the photovoltaic surface, increases the energy generated in one day by 1.348 when compared to the power optimization of the two surfaces output together.

Fig. 3 shows a photovoltaic power plant with four separate photovoltaic material planes according to an embodiment of the invention in a side view. According to an embodiment, the photovoltaic power plant 200 may include a generating photovoltaic structure 210 and power optimization electronics 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d (e.g., local power optimizers), as well as an electronic load/grid 18 a. Each of the power-optimizing electronics 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d may be functionally equivalent to the power-optimizing electronics 14a and 14b of fig. 1. The power generating photovoltaic structure 210 can include photovoltaic material faces 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d, cladding layer 10a, and substrate layer 12 a. Each of the photovoltaic material faces 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d may be functionally equivalent to the photovoltaic material faces 11a and 11b in fig. 1. Each of the photovoltaic material faces 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d may form a separate group of photovoltaic material faces. In some embodiments, two or more photovoltaic material faces may form one photovoltaic material face group. In some embodiments, the photovoltaic power generation apparatus 200 may further include additional electronic components 16 a.

Referring to fig. 3, each of the photovoltaic material faces 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d can be configured in any orientation relative to a reference face (such as a mounting plane) in the power generation unit, where each individual photovoltaic material face is at a different angle than the other photovoltaic material faces. Photovoltaic material planes 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d may be configured to optimize photovoltaic energy generation. Furthermore, since the surface area of the bottom is absent or significantly reduced, it may not be necessary to have a photovoltaic material face at the bottom of the three-dimensional photovoltaic structure.

With further reference to fig. 3, each of the photovoltaic material planes 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d may be operatively connected to independent power optimization electronics 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22 d. Photovoltaic material face 20a may be operatively connected to power optimization electronics (e.g., local power optimizer) 22a via connection assembly 21 a; photovoltaic material level 20b may be operatively connected to power optimization electronics (e.g., local power optimizer) 22b via connection assembly 21 b; the photovoltaic material face 20c may be operatively connected to power optimization electronics (e.g., local power optimizer) 22c via a connection component 21 c; and the photovoltaic material face 20d may be operatively connected to power optimization electronics (e.g., a local power optimizer) 22d via a connection component 21 d. Each of the power-optimizing electronics 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d may be operatively connected to the additional electronic component 16a via a connection assembly 23a, 23b, 23c, and 23d, respectively. Additional electronic components 16a may be operatively connected to an electronic load/grid 18a via a connection assembly 17 a.

With further reference to fig. 3, cladding layer 10a may be disposed on photovoltaic material sides 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d, which photovoltaic material sides 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d may be disposed on substrate layer 12 a. Although the clad layer 10a is close to the photovoltaic material faces 11a and 11b, the clad layer 10a and the photovoltaic material faces 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d may not be in direct contact with each other and there may be a thin gap therebetween. Similarly, although the substrate layer 12a is close to the photovoltaic material faces 11a and 11b, the substrate layer 12a and the photovoltaic material faces 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d may not be in direct contact with each other and there may be a thin gap between them. However, in some embodiments, at least a portion of cladding layer 10a may be in direct contact with photovoltaic material faces 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20 d. Similarly, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the substrate layer 12a can be in direct contact with the photovoltaic material sides 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20 d. The substrate layer 12a may provide some space for the connection between the photovoltaic material planes 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d and the power-optimizing electronics 22a, 22b, 22c, 22 d. In some embodiments, at least a portion of cladding layer 10a and substrate layer 12a may be in contact with each other.

Depending on the embodiment, there may be various forms and types available for connecting the components 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d and 23a, 23b, 23c, 23 d. In some embodiments, one or more of the connection assemblies 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d and 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d may be conventional wires. In some embodiments, one or more of the connection components 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d and 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d may be a set of transmitters and receivers for wireless power transfer or wireless power transfer. As such, the power or power transmission via the connection assemblies 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d and 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d may be wired transmission, wireless transmission, or a combination thereof.

Fig. 4A and 4B show in perspective view and top view a photovoltaic power generation device having four independent photovoltaic material faces of inverted pyramidal shape according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to an embodiment, the photovoltaic power plant 300 may include a generating photovoltaic structure 310 and power optimization electronics 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d (e.g., local power optimizers), as well as an electronic load/grid 18 a. Each of the power-optimizing electronics 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d may be functionally equivalent to the power-optimizing electronics 14a and 14b of fig. 1. The power generating photovoltaic structure 310 may include photovoltaic material faces 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30 d. Although not shown in fig. 4A and 4B, the power generating photovoltaic structure 310 may further include a cladding layer 10a and a substrate layer 12 a. Each of the photovoltaic material faces 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d may be functionally equivalent to the photovoltaic material faces 11a and 11b in fig. 1. Each of the photovoltaic material faces 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d may form a separate group of photovoltaic material faces. In some embodiments, two or more photovoltaic material faces may form one photovoltaic material face group. In some embodiments, the photovoltaic power generation apparatus 300 may further include additional electronic components 16 a.

Referring to fig. 4A and 4B, each of the photovoltaic material planes 30a, 30B, 30c, and 30d may be operably connected to independent power optimization electronics 32a, 32B, 32c, and 32 d. Photovoltaic material facing 30a may be operatively connected to power optimization electronics (e.g., local power optimizer) 32a via connection assembly 31 a; photovoltaic material level 30b may be operatively connected to power optimization electronics (e.g., local power optimizer) 32b via connection component 31 b; photovoltaic material level 30c may be operatively connected to power optimization electronics (e.g., local power optimizer) 32c via connection assembly 31 c; and the photovoltaic material face 30d may be operatively connected to power optimization electronics (e.g., local power optimizer) 32d via a connection component 31 d. Each of the power-optimizing electronics 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d may be operatively connected to the additional electronics component 16a via a connection assembly 33a, 33b, 33c, and 33d, respectively. Additional electronic components 16a may be operatively connected to an electronic load/grid 18a via a connection assembly 17 a.

According to embodiments, each of the photovoltaic material faces 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d may be configured to have any orientation relative to a reference plane (such as a mounting plane) in the power generation unit, where the orientation of each photovoltaic material face is different from the other photovoltaic material faces. The photovoltaic material faces 30a, 30B, 30c and 30d may be put together in the shape of an inverted pyramid, as shown in fig. 4A and 4B. The photovoltaic material faces 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d under the three-dimensional geometry (i.e., the inverted pyramid shape) to assemble may facilitate or enhance efficient generation of photovoltaic energy. Because the surface area of the base is absent or significantly reduced, it may not be necessary to have a photovoltaic material face at the base of the inverted pyramidal photovoltaic structure.

Depending on the embodiment, there may be various forms and types available for connecting the components 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d and 33a, 33b, 33c, 33 d. In some embodiments, one or more of the connection assemblies 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d and 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d may be conventional wires. In some embodiments, one or more of the connection components 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d and 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d may be a set of transmitters and receivers for wireless power transfer or wireless power transfer. As such, the power or power transmission via the connection assemblies 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d and 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d may be wired transmission, wireless transmission, or a combination thereof.

Fig. 4C and 4D show in perspective and top views a photovoltaic power generation device with four independent photovoltaic material planes sharing a power optimizer, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

According to an embodiment, the photovoltaic power plant 400 may include a generating photovoltaic structure 410 and power optimization electronics 42a and 42b (e.g., local power optimizers), as well as an electrical load/grid 18 a. Each of the power-optimizing electronics 42a and 42b may be functionally equivalent to the power-optimizing electronics 14a and 14b of fig. 1. The power generating photovoltaic structure 310 may include photovoltaic material faces 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40 d. Although not shown in fig. 4C and 4D, the power generating photovoltaic structure 410 may further include a cladding layer 10a and a substrate layer 12 a. Each of the photovoltaic material faces 40a, 40b, 40c and 40d may be functionally equivalent to the photovoltaic material faces 11a and 11b in fig. 1. Each of the photovoltaic material faces 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d may form a separate group of photovoltaic material faces. In some embodiments, two or more photovoltaic material faces may form one photovoltaic material face group. In some embodiments, the photovoltaic power generation apparatus 400 may further include additional electronic components 16 a.

According to an embodiment, the power-optimizing electronics may be shared by multiple photovoltaic material facet groups. As such, power optimization for energy collected by two or more photovoltaic material planes may be performed by a single power optimizer. In some embodiments, power optimization may be performed in a collective manner. Referring to fig. 4C and 4D, the power-optimizing electronics 42a may be shared by the photovoltaic material planes 40a and 40 b; and power optimization electronics 42c may be shared by photovoltaic material planes 40c and 40 d. In other words, photovoltaic material faces 40a and 40b may be operatively connected to power optimization electronics (e.g., local power optimizer) 42a via connection assemblies 41a and 41b, respectively; and photovoltaic material planes 40c and 40d may be operatively connected to power optimization electronics (e.g., local power optimizer) 42c via connection assemblies 41c and 41d, respectively. In some embodiments, the connection between the photovoltaic material plane and the power-optimizing electronics may be similar to the connection of multiple solar cells in series or parallel via a wire or wireless power/power transfer device.

According to an embodiment, each of the power-optimizing electronics 42a and 42c may be operatively connected to the additional electronic component 16a via a connection assembly 43a and 43c, respectively. The additional electronic component 16a may be operatively connected to an electronic load/grid 18a via a connection component 17 a.

According to an embodiment, each of the photovoltaic material faces 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d may be configured to have any orientation relative to a reference plane (such as a mounting plane) in the power generation unit, where the orientation of each photovoltaic material face is different from the other photovoltaic material faces. The photovoltaic material faces 40a, 40b, 40C and 40D may be put together in the shape of an inverted pyramid, as shown in fig. 4C and 4D. The photovoltaic material faces 40a, 40b, 40C, and 40D may be arranged together in a shape of an inverted pyramid, as shown in fig. 4C and 4D. The assembly of photovoltaic material faces 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d under a three-dimensional geometry (i.e., a reverse pyramid shape) may facilitate or enhance efficient production of photovoltaic energy. Since the surface area of the base is absent or significantly reduced, it may not be necessary to have a photovoltaic material face at the base of the inverted pyramidal photovoltaic structure.

According to embodiments, there may be various forms and types available for connecting the components 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d and 43a, 43 c. In some embodiments, one or more of the connection assemblies 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d and 43a, 43c may be conventional wires. In some embodiments, one or more of the connection components 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d and 43a, 43c may be a set of transmitters and receivers for wireless power transfer or wireless power transfer. As such, the power or power transmission via the connection assemblies 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d and 43a, 43c may be wired transmission, wireless transmission, or a combination thereof.

According to an embodiment, a photovoltaic power generation apparatus may be configured to have a photovoltaic structure with non-planar sides (e.g., curved sides or curved sidewalls). The non-planar sides of the photovoltaic structure can be shaped in various ways. In some embodiments, the non-planar side surface may be configured as an inverted cone. In some other embodiments, the non-planar sides may be configured in the shape of a cylinder or a frustum. In some embodiments, the non-planar side can be comprised of one non-planar set of individual photovoltaic material faces. In some embodiments, the non-planar side can be comprised of a plurality of non-planar independent photovoltaic material facet groups. In some embodiments, the non-planar sides can be comprised of a mixture of planar and non-planar sets of individual photovoltaic material faces.

Fig. 5A and 5B illustrate an example of a photovoltaic power generation apparatus including a photovoltaic structure having a non-planar side. Fig. 5A and 5B illustrate in perspective and top views a photovoltaic power generation device having two non-planar independent photovoltaic material faces with inverted tapers, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to fig. 5A and 5B, a photovoltaic power plant 500 may include a generating photovoltaic structure 510 and power optimization electronics 52a and 52B (e.g., local power optimizers), as well as an electronic load/grid 18 a. Each of the power-optimizing electronics 52a and 52b may be functionally equivalent to the power-optimizing electronics 14a and 14b of fig. 1. The power generating photovoltaic structure 510 may include photovoltaic material faces 50a and 50 b. Although not shown in fig. 5A and 5B, the power generating photovoltaic structure 510 may further include a cladding layer 10a and a substrate layer 12 a. Each of the photovoltaic material planes 50a and 50b may be functionally equivalent to the photovoltaic material planes 11a and 11b in fig. 1. Each of the photovoltaic material faces 50a and 50b may form separate groups of photovoltaic material faces. In some embodiments, two or more photovoltaic material faces may form one photovoltaic material face group. In some embodiments, the photovoltaic power generation apparatus 500 may further include additional electronic components 16 a.

With further reference to fig. 5A and 5B, each of the photovoltaic material planes 50a and 50B may be operably connected to independent power optimization electronics 52a and 52B. The photovoltaic material face 50a may be operatively connected to power optimization electronics (e.g., local power optimizer) 52a via a connection component 51 a; and the photovoltaic material face 50b may be operatively connected to power optimization electronics (e.g., local power optimizer) 52b via a connection component 51 b. Each of the power-optimizing electronics 52a and 52b may be operatively connected to the additional electronics component 16a via a connection component 53a and 53b, respectively. The additional electronic component 16a may be operatively connected to an electronic load/grid 18a via a connection component 17 a.

According to an embodiment, each of the photovoltaic material faces 50a and 50b can be configured to possess a photovoltaic structure having non-planar sides (e.g., curved sides). The photovoltaic material faces 50a and 50B may be put together in the shape of an inverted cone, as shown in fig. 5A and 5B. The assembly of the photovoltaic material faces 50a and 50b under the three-dimensional curved geometry (i.e., the inverted cone) can promote or enhance efficient generation of photovoltaic energy, at least in some cases. Since the surface area of the bottom is absent or significantly reduced, it may not be necessary to have a photovoltaic material face at the bottom of the inverted pyramidal structure.

According to embodiments, there may be various forms and types available for the connection assemblies 51a, 51b, 53a, and 53 b. In some embodiments, one or more of the connection assemblies 51a, 51b, 53a, and 53b may be conventional wires. In some embodiments, one or more of the connection assemblies 51a, 51b, 53a, and 53b may be a set of transmitters and receivers for wireless power transfer or wireless power transfer. As such, the power or power transmission via the connection assemblies 51a, 51b, 53a and 53b may be wired transmission, wireless transmission, or a combination thereof.

Fig. 6 illustrates, in side view, a larger photovoltaic power generation system having two independent groups of photovoltaic material facets forming a three-dimensional corrugated structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. According to an embodiment, the photovoltaic power plant 600 may include a generating photovoltaic structure 610 and power optimization electronics 62a and 62d (e.g., local power optimizers), as well as an electrical load/grid 18 a. The power generating photovoltaic structure 610 may include photovoltaic material faces 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d, 60e, and 60 f.

According to an embodiment, one or more photovoltaic material facets may form one group of individual photovoltaic material facets. In some embodiments, two or more photovoltaic material faces may form one photovoltaic material face group. For example, as shown in fig. 6, photovoltaic material faces 60a, 60b, and 60c can form one photovoltaic material face group and photovoltaic material faces 60d, 60e, and 60f can form another photovoltaic material face group. However, in some other embodiments, each group of photovoltaic material facets may include only one photovoltaic material facet, as shown in fig. 1 and 3-5.

According to an embodiment, the power generating photovoltaic structure 610 may further include a cladding layer 10a and a substrate layer 12 a. Each of the power-optimizing electronics 62a and 62d may be functionally equivalent to the power-optimizing electronics 14a and 14b of fig. 1. Each of the photovoltaic material faces 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d, 60e, and 60f may be functionally equivalent to the photovoltaic material faces 11a and 11b in fig. 1. In some embodiments, photovoltaic power generation apparatus 600 may further include additional electronic components 16 a.

Referring to fig. 6, photovoltaic material planes 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d, 60e, and 60f may be operably connected to independent power optimization electronics 52a and 52 b. The photovoltaic material faces in the same group of photovoltaic material faces may be connected to the same power-optimizing electronics. The photovoltaic material planes 60a, 60b, and 60c may be operatively connected to power optimization electronics (e.g., local power optimizer) 62a via a connection component 61 a; and the photovoltaic material faces 60d, 60e, and 60f can be operatively connected to power optimization electronics (e.g., local power optimizer) 62d via a connection component 61 d. Each of the power-optimizing electronics 62a and 62d may be operatively connected to the additional electronics assembly 16a via a connection assembly 63a and 63d, respectively. Additional electronic components 16a may be operatively connected to an electronic load/grid 18a via a connection assembly 17 a.

According to an embodiment, the cladding layer 10a may be disposed on the photovoltaic material faces 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d, 60e, and 60f, and the photovoltaic material faces 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d, 60e, and 60f may be disposed on the substrate layer 12 a. Although the clad layer 10a is close to the photovoltaic material face, the clad layer 10a and the photovoltaic material faces 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d, 60e, and 60f may not be in direct contact with each other and a thin gap may exist therebetween. Similarly, although the substrate layer 12a is close to the photovoltaic material faces 11a and 11b, the substrate layer 12a and the photovoltaic material faces 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d, 60e, and 60f may not be in direct contact with each other and there may be a thin gap between them. However, in some embodiments, at least a portion of cladding layer 10a may be in direct contact with photovoltaic material faces 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d, 60e, and 60 f. Similarly, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the substrate layer 12a can be in direct contact with the photovoltaic material faces 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d, 60e, and 60 f. The substrate layer 12a may provide some space for the connection between the photovoltaic material planes (60a, 60b, 60c, 60d, 60e, and 60f) and the power-optimizing electronics (62a, 62 d). In some embodiments, at least a portion of cladding layer 10a and substrate layer 12a may be in contact with each other.

According to an embodiment, each of the photovoltaic material faces 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d, 60e and 60f may be configured to have any orientation with respect to a reference plane, such as a mounting plane of the power generation unit, wherein each orientation is different from the orientation of the other photovoltaic material faces. Photovoltaic material faces 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d, 60e, and 60f can be configured to optimize photovoltaic energy generation. Furthermore, it may not be necessary to have a photovoltaic material face at the bottom of the three-dimensional photovoltaic structure, since the bottom surface area is absent or significantly reduced.

According to embodiments, there may be various forms and types available for the connection members 61a, 61d, 63a, and 63 d. In some embodiments, one or more of the connection assemblies 61a, 61d, 63a, and 63d may be conventional wires. In some embodiments, one or more of the connection components 61a, 61d, 63a, and 63d may be a set of transmitters and receivers for wireless power transfer or wireless power transfer. As such, the power or power transmission via the connection assemblies 61a, 61d, 63a, and 63d may be wired transmission, wireless transmission, or a combination thereof.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, a photovoltaic power generation apparatus may be used in various forms. In one example, a photovoltaic structure comprising a series of photovoltaic material panels may be installed or deployed on a roadway in place of an asphalt road so that electricity may be generated for local consumption (e.g., energy for local houses, businesses, and electric vehicles). In another example, a photovoltaic structure may be deployed on top of a house or building as a photovoltaic roof that generates electrical energy from sunlight.

While the invention has been described with reference to specific features and embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that various modifications and combinations of the invention are possible without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in a simplified manner as being illustrative of the invention defined in the appended claims and are intended to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents that are within the scope of this invention.

In particular, it is within the scope of the present technology to provide a computer program product or a program element for controlling the operation of a power optimizer, or a program memory or storage device for storing processor readable signals.

The actions associated with the methods described in this disclosure may be implemented as coded instructions in a computer program product. In other words, the computer program product is a computer readable medium having recorded thereon software code for performing a power optimization when the computer program product is loaded into a memory and executed on a microprocessor.

The actions associated with the methods described in this disclosure may be implemented as coded instructions in a number of computer program products. For example, a first portion of the method may be performed using one computing device and a second portion of the method may be performed using another computing device. In this case, each computer program product is a computer-readable medium having software code recorded thereon for performing the appropriate parts of the method when the computer program product is loaded into memory and executed on a microprocessor of a computing device. Further, each step or a file or an object or the like implementing each of the steps may be executed by dedicated hardware or a circuit module designed for this purpose.

It is obvious that the above-described embodiments of the invention are examples and can be varied in many ways. Such present or future variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.