JP2017099082A - Solar battery cell inspection device - Google Patents

Abstract

A solar cell inspection apparatus capable of accurately inspecting solar cells is provided.
An inspection apparatus (1) includes a plate-like base (10) and a control unit (11) installed at the center of the base (10). A pair of light sources (12) and a magnetic sensor (sensor) (sensor) are provided below the control unit (11). ) And a pair of crawlers 16 and a motor 17 installed between the pair of crawlers 16 below the base body 10. The light source 12 irradiates the solar cell with spot light, and the magnetic sensor 13 detects magnetic flux generated by the current flowing through the interconnector of the cell.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a solar cell inspection apparatus that inspects solar cells having an interconnector.

  Conventionally, a solar cell module (hereinafter simply referred to as “module”) is configured by using a plurality of solar cells (hereinafter simply referred to as “cells”). Each cell has an interconnector. The interconnector collects current generated in the cells and is used to electrically connect adjacent cells.

  As an inspection apparatus for a cell having such an interconnector, an inspection apparatus for detecting a connection failure of a cell or a defect of the cell itself by detecting a current flowing through the interconnector is known (for example, Patent Document 1). reference.).

  Generally, a module is provided with a circuit that sends out from the module the current generated in each cell and collected via the interconnector. In the inspection apparatus described in Patent Document 1, switching is performed by providing a switch circuit in the circuit, and by detecting the current flowing through the interconnector during the switching, the cell having the interconnector is inspected. Yes.

JP2015-103718A

  By the way, in the conventional inspection apparatus as described in Patent Document 1, the inspection is performed using a switch circuit provided in a circuit for sending current from the module. In other words, the inspection is performed using the power transmitted from the module.

  For this reason, in the conventional inspection apparatus, the inspection cannot be performed unless the cell is generating power (for example, during the daytime). Also, at the time of inspection, the module having the cell to be inspected had to be disconnected from the power generation system.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the above point, and it aims at providing the photovoltaic cell inspection apparatus which can test | inspect a photovoltaic cell accurately irrespective of an electric power generation state.

  In order to achieve the above object, a solar cell inspection device of the present invention is a solar cell inspection device that inspects a solar cell having an interconnector, and irradiates the solar cell to be inspected with light. A light source, a light source control unit that controls light emission of the light source, and a sensor that detects a current flowing through the interconnector, wherein the light source control unit causes the light source to emit light at a predetermined cycle.

  Thus, in the solar cell inspection apparatus of the present invention, the cell to be inspected is irradiated with light from the light source, and the current flowing through the interconnector is detected by the irradiated light. That is, it is not necessary to use the power transmitted from the module. Therefore, the inspection can be performed even when the power generation is not performed in the cell (for example, at night). Further, it is not necessary to disconnect the module having the cell to be inspected from the power generation system.

  Moreover, in the photovoltaic cell inspection apparatus of this invention, since the light source control part is made to light-emit a light source with a predetermined period, the electric current which flows into an interconnector also changes according to the period. Therefore, the current generated by the light emitted from the light source for inspection can be clearly distinguished from the current generated by other light. As a result, the cell can be inspected with high accuracy without being affected by the current generated by other light even when the cell is generating power (for example, during the daytime).

  Therefore, according to the solar cell inspection apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to accurately inspect solar cells regardless of the power generation state.

  Moreover, in the photovoltaic cell inspection apparatus of this invention, it is preferable that the said sensor is a magnetic sensor which detects the magnetic flux which generate | occur | produces with the electric current which flows into the said interconnector.

  Thus, if the sensor for detecting the current is a magnetic sensor, the current can be detected in a non-contact manner. That is, it is possible to inspect even a cell installed in the module and covered with a protective material.

  Moreover, in the photovoltaic cell inspection apparatus of this invention, it is preferable that the said light source irradiates a spot light to the said photovoltaic cell.

  If comprised in this way, compared with the structure provided with the light source which irradiates the whole cell, since a light source can be reduced in size, the whole apparatus can be reduced in size.

  Moreover, in the solar cell module of the present invention, when the light source emits spot light, the solar cell module includes at least two light sources, and the light source intersects with the direction in which the interconnector extends, and the sensor It is preferable that they are arranged so as to sandwich them.

  In general, in a cell, currents generated in two regions located so as to sandwich the interconnector are collected in the interconnector via finger electrodes provided in each of the two regions. Therefore, when only one of the two regions is irradiated with light, if the region irradiated with the light is damaged, no current flows through the interconnector.

  As a result, even when only a part of the cell is damaged (that is, when the cell is slightly damaged so that it can be used continuously), it is determined that the entire cell is defective. There is a risk of being.

  Therefore, if spot light that can irradiate only one area is irradiated to each of the two areas that are configured as described above and sandwich the interconnector, then one of the two areas is defective. Even if this occurs, current can be generated in the other region. And if the electric current which flows through the interconnector is detected, it will become possible to judge appropriately whether the malfunction has arisen as the whole cell.

  Moreover, as a solar cell module of this invention, the traveling body which travels along the arrangement | sequence of the said photovoltaic cell is provided, and the said traveling body may be made to mount the said light source and the said sensor.

It is a schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of the photovoltaic cell test | inspection apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention, FIG. 1A is a side view, FIG. 1B is a top view. The block diagram which shows the structure of the photovoltaic cell test | inspection apparatus of FIG. The top view which shows the structure of a photovoltaic module provided with the photovoltaic cell test | inspected with the photovoltaic cell test | inspection apparatus of FIG. Sectional drawing which shows typically the structure of the photovoltaic cell with which the solar cell module of FIG. 3 is provided. The top view of the photovoltaic cell with which the solar cell module of FIG. 3 is provided. The top view which shows the positional relationship of the light source and sensor of the photovoltaic cell inspection apparatus of FIG.

  Hereinafter, the solar cell inspection apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, with reference to FIG.1 and FIG.2, schematic structure of the test | inspection apparatus 1 which is a photovoltaic cell test | inspection apparatus is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the inspection apparatus 1 (solar cell inspection apparatus) includes a plate-like base body 10 and a control unit 11 installed at the center of the base body 10. As shown in FIG. 1B, the inspection apparatus 1 includes a pair of light sources 12 and a magnetic sensor 13 (sensor) provided between the pair of light sources 12 below the control unit 11.

  In addition, the inspection apparatus 1 includes a height adjustment mechanism 14 installed between the control unit 11, the light source 12, and the magnetic sensor 13, and a wireless module installed adjacent to the control unit 11 above the base 10. 15 is provided.

  Further, the inspection apparatus 1 includes a pair of crawlers 16 provided so as to sandwich the light source 12 and the magnetic sensor 13 below the base body 10, and a motor 17 installed between the pair of crawlers 16. .

  The light source 12 is an LED that irradiates spot light to a cell 30 (see FIG. 3) that is a solar battery cell included in the module 3 to be inspected. The height of the light emitting surface of the light source 12 is preferably closer to the surface of the module 3.

  In the inspection apparatus 1, since the light source 12 that irradiates such spot light is used, the light source portion is smaller than the configuration including the light source that irradiates the entire cell 30, and the conventional inspection apparatus. Rather, the entire device is downsized.

  The light source of the present invention is not limited to the LED that irradiates the spot light, but may be any light source that can irradiate light so as to generate a current in the cell. For example, the entire cell may be irradiated with a fluorescent lamp or an incandescent lamp.

  The magnetic sensor 13 is a magnetic flux density detection coil, and detects a magnetic flux generated by a current flowing through the interconnector 30a of the cell 30. The magnetic sensor 13 is installed in a direction in which the magnetic flux generated by the current flowing through the interconnector 30a can be measured.

  In the inspection apparatus 1, since such a magnetic sensor 13 is used as a sensor for detecting the current flowing through the interconnector 30a, the current can be detected in a non-contact manner. That is, the cell 30 in the state installed in the module 3 can be inspected.

  The sensor of the present invention is not limited to such a non-contact type magnetic sensor, and may be any sensor that can detect the current flowing through the interconnector 30a. For example, a sensor that directly connects to the interconnector and detects current may be used.

  The height adjusting mechanism 14 expands and contracts by the driving force supplied from the motor 17 and adjusts the height of the light source 12 and the magnetic sensor 13. Note that the height adjusting mechanism 14 is omitted when there is no need to adjust the height of the light source 12 and the magnetic sensor 13, such as when the surface of the module 3 to be inspected is not uneven enough to lower the inspection system. May be.

  The wireless module 15 is used for communication with an input / output terminal 2 (see FIG. 2) provided independently of the inspection apparatus 1. In the inspection apparatus 1, a command from the input / output terminal 2 to the control unit 11 is received via the wireless module 15, and data related to the current detected by the control unit 11 is transmitted to the input / output terminal 2.

  The crawler 16 is configured as a pair of endless tracks. Specifically, the inspection apparatus 1 includes a driving pulley 16a on the front side, a driven pulley 16b on the rear side, and a shoe plate 16c wound around the driving pulley 16a and the driven pulley 16b.

  The motor 17 supplies driving force to the height adjusting mechanism 14 and the driving pulley 16 a of the crawler 16. In the inspection apparatus 1, a traveling body is configured by the base body 10, the crawler 16, and the motor 17.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 11 includes a transmission / reception unit 11a connected to the wireless module 15, a light source control unit 11b that receives a signal from the transmission / reception unit 11a, a height control unit 11c, and a movement control unit 11d. An amplifier circuit 11e that amplifies a signal from the magnetic sensor 13 and a current detector 11f that receives a signal from the amplifier circuit are provided.

  The transmission / reception unit 11a transmits a signal from the input / output terminal 2 received via the wireless module 15 to the light source control unit 11b, the height control unit 11c, or the movement control unit 11d.

  The light source control unit 11b controls light emission of the light source 12 based on a signal from the transmission / reception unit 11a. Specifically, the light emission of the light source 12 is controlled so that the emission wavelength peak is 940 nm, the emission frequency is 5 kHz, and the output is 4 W. This control content may be changed as appropriate depending on the type of light source and the configuration of the module to be inspected.

  The height control unit 11c drives the height adjustment mechanism 14 based on a signal from the transmission / reception unit 11a, and controls the heights of the light source 12 and the magnetic sensor 13. Specifically, at the time of inspection, the height of the light emitting surface of the light source 12 and the height of the lower end of the measurement portion of the magnetic sensor 13 are controlled to be within a range of 1 mm or less from the surface of the module 3.

  The movement control unit 11d drives the crawler 16 based on the signal from the transmission / reception unit 11a, and controls the movement of the inspection apparatus 1.

  The current detection unit 11 f transmits the signal detected by the magnetic sensor 13 and amplified by the amplification circuit 11 e to the input / output terminal 2 via the transmission / reception unit 11 a and the wireless module 15.

  Next, the module 3 which is a solar cell module inspected by the inspection apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the arrow in FIG. 5 shows the direction through which an electric current flows.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the module 3 includes a plurality of cells 30 arranged in a matrix and a bypass diode 31 arranged on the side of the cells 30.

  In FIG. 3, the cells 30 adjacent in the vertical direction are connected in series by an interconnector 30 a included in each cell 30 to form one cell row. Each cell column is connected to another adjacent cell column via an interconnector 30a, and one string is formed by two cell columns.

  Note that the number of cells 30 included in one cell row or one string is not limited to the number shown in FIG. 3, and may be appropriately changed depending on the size of the module 3 or the cell 30.

  One bypass diode 31 is attached to each string. The bypass diode 31 electrically disconnects the string when an abnormality occurs in the string (that is, the cell 30 included in the string), and prevents current from flowing into the string from other strings.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the module 3 includes a protective material 32 disposed so as to sandwich the cell 30. The protective material 32 is disposed so as to cover the front surface and the back surface of the cell 30. The inspection apparatus 1 moves along the array of the cells 30 on the protective material 32 on the surface side of the cells 30.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the cell 30 has two interconnectors 30a and a number of finger electrodes 30b extending in a direction intersecting the interconnector 30a. The current generated in any region of the cell 30 is collected in the interconnector 30a via the finger electrode 30b.

  Next, the inspection performed by the inspection apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the white arrow in FIG. 5 shows the direction through which an electric current flows, The thickness has shown the magnitude | size of the electric current to flow typically. Also, the white arrow in FIG. 6 indicates the direction of current flow, and the black arrow indicates the direction of movement of the inspection apparatus 1.

  Like the part shown with the broken line of FIG. 4, the interconnector 30a of the cell 30 may cause a disconnection due to aged deterioration or the like.

  When such a disconnection occurs in one of the two interconnectors 30a of the cell 30, as shown in FIG. 5, the current that was supposed to flow through the interconnector 30a where the disconnection occurred is It will flow into the interconnector 30a which has not occurred.

  As a result, a current greater than an allowable current flows through the interconnector 30a where no disconnection has occurred, and generates heat. And if this state continues for a long time, the interconnector 30a in which the disconnection has not occurred is deteriorated by the heat, and the disconnection also occurs in the interconnector 30a.

  Further, when a disconnection occurs in the interconnector 30a of any cell 30 included in the module 3 and the current flowing from the string composed of a plurality of cells increases or decreases, the bypass diode 31 connected to the string The string is electrically isolated from other strings.

  However, if a proper process such as repair is not performed in that state and time elapses, the bypass diode 31 is damaged by the heat generated by the current, and the insulated string is electrically connected to another string again. It will be connected.

  As a result, a current from another string flows into the insulated string (that is, the cell 30 in which the disconnection occurs in the interconnector 30a), and heat is generated in the entire string. After that, there is a risk of fire.

  Therefore, in the inspection of the module 3, it is important to inspect whether the interconnector 30a of each cell 30 included in the module 3 is disconnected.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the inspection apparatus 1 inspects the disconnection of the interconnector 30 a while traveling along the interconnector 30 a of the cell 30 on the surface of the module 3.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, while the magnetic sensor 13 is positioned on the interconnector 30a to be inspected, the light source 12 (which is disposed so as to sandwich the magnetic sensor 13 with respect to the left and right regions thereof ( The first light source 12a and the second light source 12b) emit light for inspection.

  Then, the magnetic sensor 13 detects a magnetic field generated around the interconnector 30a by the current generated by the inspection light.

  Based on the detected current, the input / output terminal 2 (see FIG. 2) determines whether the cell 30 is damaged.

  Thus, in the inspection apparatus 1, the cell 30 to be inspected is irradiated with the light from the light source 12, and the current flowing through the interconnector 30a is detected by the irradiated light. That is, it is not necessary to use the power transmitted from the module 3.

  Therefore, the inspection can be performed even when the cell 30 is not generating power (for example, at night). Further, it is not necessary to disconnect the module including the cell 30 to be inspected from the power generation system.

  Moreover, in the inspection apparatus 1, since the light source controller 11b of the control unit 11 causes the light source 12 to emit light at a predetermined cycle, the current flowing through the interconnector 30a also changes corresponding to the cycle.

  Therefore, the current generated by the light emitted from the light source 12 for inspection can be clearly distinguished from the current generated by other light. As a result, even when the cell 30 is generating power (for example, during the daytime), the cell 30 can be accurately inspected without being affected by the current generated by other light.

  For example, the inspection apparatus 1 is not affected by the current flowing inside the terminal box even in the vicinity of the terminal box of the module 3. Therefore, the cell 30 existing in the vicinity of the terminal box can also be inspected with high accuracy.

  Therefore, according to the inspection apparatus 1, the cell 30 can be inspected with high accuracy regardless of the power generation state.

  In the inspection apparatus 1, the light source 12 is arranged so as to sandwich the magnetic sensor 13 in a direction intersecting with the direction in which the interconnector 30a extends.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the first light source 12a is disposed so as to irradiate light only to one side region (the left side region in FIG. 6) of the interconnector 30a, and the second light source 12b is It arrange | positions so that light may be irradiated only to the other side area | region (area | region on the right side in FIG. 6).

  Therefore, as indicated by a cross in FIG. 6, even when the disconnection occurs only in the other region of the interconnector 30a, the inspection apparatus 1 is moved to a position corresponding to the disconnection location. The current is generated in the region on one side by the light from the first light source 12a.

  As a result, since the current flowing through the interconnector 30a is smaller than the other positions at the position corresponding to the disconnection point, it is detected that a defect has occurred in a part of the cell 30, not the entire cell 30. Can do. Thereby, the user of the inspection apparatus 1 can determine that the cell 30 should be replaced early.

  Although the illustrated embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to such a form.

  For example, in the said embodiment, the control unit 11 (namely, light source control part 11b), the light source 12, and the magnetic sensor 13 are mounted in the traveling body. However, the inspection apparatus of the present invention may be provided with such a light source control unit, a light source or a magnetic sensor separately from the traveling body.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the test | inspection apparatus 1 is provided with the traveling body using the crawler 16, and is comprised so that it can self-propel. However, the solar cell inspection device of the present invention is not limited to the one provided with a traveling body using a crawler. For example, the inspection apparatus 1 may be moved manually, or may be moved by being attached to an XY stage.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the pair of light sources 12 are arranged so as to sandwich the magnetic sensor 13 in a direction intersecting with the extending direction of the interconnector 30a. However, the solar cell inspection apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the one in which the pair of light sources are arranged as such. For example, only one light source may be arranged, or three or more light sources may be arranged. Further, the arrangement position may be changed as appropriate.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Inspection apparatus (solar cell inspection apparatus), 2 ... Input / output terminal, 3 ... Module, 10 ... Base | substrate, 11 ... Control unit, 11a ... Transmission / reception part, 11b ... Light source control part, 11c ... Height control part, 11d DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Movement control part, 11e ... Amplifier circuit, 11f ... Current detection part, 12 ... Light source, 12a ... 1st light source, 12b ... 2nd light source, 13 ... Magnetic sensor (sensor), 14 ... Height adjustment mechanism, 15 ... Wireless Module, 16 ... Crawler, 16a ... Driving pulley, 16b ... Driven pulley, 16c ... Footwear, 17 ... Motor, 30 ... Cell (solar cell), 30a ... Interconnector, 30b ... Finger electrode, 31 ... Bypass diode, 32 …Protective layer.

Claims (5)

A solar cell inspection apparatus for inspecting solar cells having an interconnector,
A light source for irradiating the solar cell to be inspected with light;
A light source control unit for controlling light emission of the light source;
A sensor for detecting a current flowing through the interconnector,
The said light source control part makes the said light source light-emit with a predetermined period, The photovoltaic cell test | inspection apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. The solar cell inspection apparatus according to claim 1,
The solar cell inspection apparatus, wherein the sensor is a magnetic sensor that detects a magnetic flux generated by a current flowing through the interconnector. The solar cell inspection device according to claim 1 or 2,
The said light source irradiates the said photovoltaic cell with spot light, The photovoltaic cell test | inspection apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. The solar cell inspection apparatus according to claim 3,
Comprising at least two light sources,
The said light source is arrange | positioned so that the said sensor may be pinched | interposed in the direction which cross | intersects the direction where the said interconnector is extended. It is a photovoltaic cell inspection apparatus of any one of Claims 1-4,
A traveling body that travels along the array of solar cells,
The traveling body has the light source and the sensor mounted thereon.