CN115668753A

CN115668753A - Three-pump paper folding method photovoltaic module

Info

Publication number: CN115668753A
Application number: CN202180037071.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 胡安·卡米罗·奥尔蒂斯·利兹卡诺; 奥林多·伊莎贝拉; 维克多·阿图罗·马丁内斯·洛佩兹; 米罗斯拉夫·泽曼
Original assignee: Technische Universiteit Delft
Current assignee: Technische Universiteit Delft
Priority date: 2020-04-09
Filing date: 2021-04-01
Publication date: 2023-01-31
Also published as: WO2021206542A1; NL2025309B1; EP4133591A1

Abstract

The invention belongs to the following fields: a triple-pump origami photovoltaic module for converting light into electricity, i.e. a module that can be easily unfolded and folded and is therefore easy to transport or transfer, and a system comprising at least two of such modules and optionally further elements.

Description

Photovoltaic module adopting three-pump paper folding method

Technical Field

The invention belongs to the following fields: a triple-pump ori photovoltaic module for converting light into electricity, i.e. a module that can be easily unfolded and folded and thus easily transported or transferred, and a system comprising at least two of such modules and optionally further elements.

Background

Solar cells or Photovoltaic (PV) cells are an electrical device that directly converts light energy, typically solar energy (hence "solar energy"), into electricity by the so-called photovoltaic effect. Solar cells may be considered photovoltaic cells that have electrical characteristics, such as current, voltage, resistance, and fill factor, that vary when exposed to light and vary with the type of cell.

Solar cells are described as photovoltaic cells, whether the source is sunlight or artificial light. They may also be used as photodetectors.

When a solar cell absorbs light, it can generate electron-hole pairs or excitons. To obtain a current, charge carriers of opposite type are separated. The separated charge carriers are "extracted" to an external circuit, typically providing a DC current. In actual use, the DC current may be converted to an AC current, for example, by using a transformer.

Typically, solar cells are grouped into arrays of elements. The various elements may form a panel, and the various panels may form a system.

Wafer-type c-Si solar cells account for over 90% of the total PV market. This trend will continue in the coming 2020 and many years thereafter, according to recent predictions. Conventional c-Si solar cells occupy a large portion of the market due to process simplification. As an alternative to industry increasing power to cost ratios, the silicon heterojunction approach becomes increasingly attractive to the PV industry, although the process of deploying appropriate front layers, such as Thermal Conductive Oxide (TCO), is relatively complex and the inherently lower thermal budget of the cell limits the use of existing production lines and therefore leads to a very small market share to date. A heterojunction is an interface that occurs between two dissimilar crystalline semiconductor layers or regions. These semiconducting materials have unequal band gaps, as opposed to homojunctions. A homojunction involves a semiconductor interface that is typically formed from two layers of similar semiconductor materials, where the semiconductor materials have equal band gaps and typically have different dopings (different in concentration, type, or both). One common example is a homojunction at the interface between an n-type layer and a p-type layer, known as a p-n junction. In heterojunctions, advanced techniques are used to precisely control the deposition thickness of the layers involved and to produce lattice matched abrupt interfaces. The heterojunction can be classified into three types, namely, a cross gap (straddling gap) type, a staggered gap (staggered gap) type, and a break gap (firing gap) type.

Recently, foldable solar cells have entered the market. These solar cells are typically provided in small arrays having a limited number of cells, for example less than 20 cells. It can be used outdoors to provide basic electrical power to, for example, an appliance. In the alternative, the cells may be deployed in space.

Tang et al show the principle of fabrication of a foldable solar cell in applied physics (appl. Phys. Lett.) 104,083501 (2014) (https:// doi. Org/10.1063/1.4866145). Typically, solar cells are provided in a single array that cannot be connected in series or parallel. In this way, power output, voltage or current is typically limited.

WO 2016/070225 A1 describes a portable photovoltaic unit and a photovoltaic system. The system includes a plurality of interconnectable photovoltaic modular units, each unit including a photovoltaic device. The cells are arranged for releasable coupling to each other such that an electrical interconnection is established between the N-side of a cell and the P-side of the next cell and energy is accessible from electrical contacts disposed on the same side of one of the cells. Additionally, at most one row of PV cells may be produced, rather than an array of such cells. The cells are generally inflexible, while joints or contacts between the cells are flexible. The unit itself appears to be non-collapsible. Although the system is portable, it is still relatively cumbersome to fold.

US 2018/323743 A1 recites a modular Photovoltaic (PV) system that may include PV cells, a frame coupled to the PV cells, and a converter. The frame is configured to support a plurality of pairs of externally accessible connectors, each pair having a positive voltage connector and a negative voltage connector, the positive voltage connector of each of the plurality of pairs of externally accessible connectors being electrically connected to each other and the negative voltage connector of each of the plurality of pairs of externally accessible connectors being electrically connected to each other. The converter is configured to receive a voltage from the PV cell and to change the voltage for output at one or more pairs of externally accessible connectors. The converter may include a maximum power point tracking service to manage power output from the PV cells. Multiple PV systems can be connected to one another in both coplanar and non-coplanar relationships. In some embodiments, the frame has a triangular, rectangular, or other polygonal shape. The modules are generally inflexible, while the joints or contacts between the units are flexible. When a frame is provided, the module itself appears to be non-collapsible.

The present invention is directed to an improved foldable solar cell array that overcomes one or more of the above-described disadvantages without compromising functionality and advantages.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention relates in a first aspect to a foldable array of PV cells according to claim 1, which is lightweight and portable. The collapsible array (10) of PV cells of the present invention comprises at least n x m PV cells electrically connected to each other, wherein n ≧ 2 and m ≧ 2; and at least four magnetic array-array connectors (2, 3), which may be ejectable or fixed, whereby in a retracted configuration or in an ejected configuration at least two magnetic array-array connectors are used for the positive array-array contacts (2) and at least two magnetic array-array connectors are used for the negative array-array contacts (3), wherein at least one positive array-array connector extends in a horizontal direction and wherein at least one positive array-array connector extends in a vertical direction and wherein at least one negative array-array connector extends in a horizontal direction and wherein at least one negative array-array connector extends in a vertical direction, and wherein each connector is electrically insulated, wherein each PV cell has a geometrical form, wherein the PV cells are arranged on a backside film, wherein the PV cells are covered by a frontside film, wherein at least two adjacent folding lines effect an upward movement at the edge of each PV cell, and wherein at least two adjacent folding lines effect a downward movement at the edge of each PV cell, and wherein the array is adapted to be moved downward by a single movement, e.g. by including a hinge mechanism for a full folding/unfolding. In view of foldability it is slightly preferred to have an odd number of rows. The foldable array can be folded simply by "pushing" the corners inward, and can be unfolded by moving the opposing corners away from each other. In view of folding, it is preferred to include a hinge mechanism in the foldable module. In view of folding/unfolding, it is also preferable to have PV cells with fairly straight (closer to 90 degrees) corners, as compared to using extremely sharp/pointed corners. Corners between 70 and 110 degrees, respectively, are preferred, such as between about 80 and about 100 degrees. At each edge of the PV cell, or likewise at the PV cell block, there is typically one fold line. Depending on the size of the PV cell, several PV cells may be combined into a sub-cell, as in fig. 2. In this way, a lightweight, portable and foldable, easily connectable array of PV cells is provided.

In this way, a new foldable PV module inspired by paper folding is provided. PV modules are lightweight and can be unfolded and folded by a single movement. Modularity is a core of design, as several of these foldable modules can be connected (to each other) to form a PV array having in principle any layout and size. Flexibility increases the variation in use. This modularity allows for a small, simple application to become a complete PV system with the mere addition of PV modules. The invention allows modules to be easily carried in large numbers and connected as needed. Current collapsible modules are either minimal at low output power or require heavy equipment for transportation. This solution allows an extremely easy deployment using only one actuator. A high efficiency crystalline silicon solar cell can be used and a low weight is ensured by using a lightweight encapsulation layer and a transparent flexible foil. The back side of the module is made of a flexible foil, e.g. a black or white foil. This ensures an extremely pleasing aesthetic appeal. As mentioned, the module may be provided with an encapsulation layer to further ensure hermeticity and safety of use.

In a second aspect, the invention relates to a system according to the invention comprising at least two arrays. The array is electrically connected by magnetic contacts and the connection is protected thereby. The magnetic contacts are not so thick that the array can still be easily folded and does not take up much space when folded. The magnetic contacts may be made of a flexible material, such as a conductive tape/adhesive. It may also be incorporated in one or more layers, protecting it from the environment. In this way, electrical power can be provided, especially in sunny conditions. Since the array or system can also be oriented towards the sun, preferably perpendicular to the sun emitted sunlight, yield can be improved simply by rotating the array or system accordingly. The present and subsequent rotations may be repeated to compensate for the rotation of the earth.

The present invention thus provides a solution to one or more of the problems mentioned above.

Advantages of the present description will be described in detail throughout the description. The drawings referred to are not limiting but are intended to guide those skilled in the art through the details of the invention.

Detailed Description

The present invention relates in a first aspect to a foldable array of PV cells, and in a second aspect to a system comprising at least two such arrays.

In an exemplary embodiment of a foldable array of PV cells of the invention, each cell may include 2 to 24 sub-cells 11, for example 4 to 12 sub-cells.

In an exemplary embodiment of the collapsible array of the invention, the array provides a maximum output of 20 to 200W, particularly 30 to 100W, for example 40 to 60W. The lower output may be used, for example, for loading small electronic devices, such as telephones, and for loading/supporting larger arrays of communication systems. This makes the inventive array well suited for emergency situations, like first responders, e.g. in emergency situations, at remote locations or for holiday applications.

In exemplary embodiments of the foldable array of PV cells of the present invention, the geometric form may be selected from a rectangle, such as a square; parallelograms, such as rhombuses. The geometry and foldability are generally adapted to each other.

In an exemplary embodiment of the foldable array of PV cells of the invention, all PV cells in the n x m array may be electrically connected in series, e.g. wherein in one column the positive PV cell (n = i) terminal is electrically connected 4 to the adjacent negative PV cell terminal (n = i + 1), and wherein the first or last PV cell (n = n or n = 1) terminal of one row (m = j) is electrically connected 4 to the adjacent opposite PV cell terminal (n = n or n =1, m = j + 1), and wherein the first terminal 12 of the first cell (n =1, m = 1) is in electrical contact with at least two magnetic array-

array connectors

2,3, and wherein the second terminal 13 of the last cell (n =1 or n, m = m) is in electrical contact with at least two magnetic array-

array connectors

3,2 having opposite electrical polarity (see e.g. fig. 3 in this respect).

In an exemplary embodiment of the foldable array of PV cells of the invention, in case of m = odd, the array (see e.g. fig. 4b in this respect) may comprise at least four magnetic array-array connectors for positive array-array contacts 2 arranged at one side (n =1 side) of the array (at least two magnetic array-array connectors 2 at a first edge (m = 1), at least two magnetic array-array connectors 2 at a second edge (m = m)), and an electrical connection 5 between the connectors at the first edge and the connectors at the second edge, and at least four magnetic array-array connectors for negative array-array contacts 3 arranged at one side (n = n side) of the array (at least two magnetic array-array connectors 2 at the first edge (m = 1), at least two magnetic array-array connectors 2 at the second edge (m = m)), and an electrical connection 5 between the connectors at the first edge and the connectors at the second edge; or in the case of m = even, the array (see e.g. fig. 6b in this respect) may comprise at least two magnetic array-array connectors at a first edge (m = 1) for positive array-array contacts 2 arranged at one side (n =1 side) of the array and at least two magnetic array-array connectors at a second edge (m = m) for negative array-array contacts 3 arranged at the same side (n =1 side) of the array.

In exemplary embodiments of the foldable array of PV cells of the present invention, the PV cells can be selected from conventional homojunction and heterojunction solar cells, single-sided and bifacial solar cells, n-type and p-type single crystal silicon, microcrystalline silicon blocks, front contact solar cells, back contact solar cells, front and back junction solar cells, interdigitated back contact solar cells, and combinations thereof.

In an exemplary embodiment of a foldable array of PV cells of the invention, it may have a thickness of 10 to 100 μm.

In an exemplary embodiment of the foldable array of PV cells of the present invention, an anti-reflective coating may be included.

In an exemplary embodiment of the foldable array of PV cells of the invention, the PV cells may be disposed on a polymeric back side film, such as a transparent back side film (which may also be referred to as a "foil", typically a polymeric foil, such as an elastomeric foil), wherein the polymer is preferably selected from PE, PET and PP.

In an exemplary embodiment of a foldable array of PV cells of the invention, the backside film can have a thickness of 10 to 100 μm.

In an exemplary embodiment of the foldable array of PV cells of the invention, the PV cells comprise a polymeric front-side film, such as a transparent front-side film (said film may also be referred to as "foil", typically a polymeric foil, such as an elastomeric foil), wherein the polymer is preferably selected from PE, PET and PP.

In an exemplary embodiment of a foldable array of PV cells of the invention, the front-side film can have a thickness of 10 to 100 μm.

In exemplary embodiments of the foldable array of PV cells of the invention, the third film may be disposed on the front or back side of the array or on both.

In exemplary embodiments of the foldable array of PV cells of the invention, the PV cell may include at least one lightweight encapsulant layer, typically at either side of the PV cell, such as a transparent elastomeric polymer layer, for example Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA). Encapsulation may be achieved by Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), which is a transparent elastomeric polymer that becomes liquid upon heating to 150 ℃ and acts as a glue for the different components of the module upon cooling. Commercial modules use EVA to glue glass and Tedlar to solar cells to create a module, but due to the glass, it cannot be flexible. Recently, transparent flexible foils ensuring airtightness and high light transmittance have become popular and allow flexible modules to be produced. The thickness of the encapsulation layers may each be 10 to 100 μm, for example 20 to 30 μm, respectively.

In an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible array of PV cells of the invention, the array can have a surface area >10 square centimeters and a mass <1 gram per square centimeter.

In an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible array of PV cells of the invention, the array may be portable.

In exemplary embodiments, the collapsible array of PV cells of the invention can further comprise at least one component selected from the group consisting of a termination box, an electrical connection, a transformer, power electronics, and an electrical power storage unit.

In an exemplary embodiment of a foldable array of PV cells of the present invention, the folding may be provided by a three-pump origami technique.

In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive foldable array, the at least one folding line comprises at least one hinge (30), wherein the hinge preferably comprises at least one insulating material (31, 33) at its outer side, and wherein the hinge preferably comprises an electrical connector for connecting a group of cells with an adjacent group of cells. In this way, the electrical connections between adjacent groups of PV cells are protected over time.

In an exemplary embodiment of the foldable array of PV cells of the present invention, the magnetic connector may be selected from materials including iron.

In an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible array of PV cells of the invention, the magnetic array-array connectors may be disposed at the edge of the array, preferably at the edge end.

In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive collapsible array, each magnetic connector is respectively located at a fixed position relative to the array, e.g. at a side thereof at a fixed distance from a corner of the array, e.g. 1 to 5 cm from the corner.

In an exemplary embodiment of the foldable array of PV cells of the invention, the magnetic connectors may each have a contact area of 0.5 to 10 square centimeters, preferably 1 to 5 square centimeters, such as 3.2 ± 1 square centimeters, and/or a diameter of 2 ± 1.3 centimeters, and/or a thickness of 1 to 15 millimeters, preferably 2 to 10 millimeters, such as 7 millimeters, respectively.

In an exemplary embodiment of the foldable array of PV cells of the present invention, the magnetic connectors may be magnet-to-MC 4 connector (+/-both) adapters, so that integration of the flexible magnetic module with commercially available power electronics is properly ensured.

In an exemplary embodiment, the inventive system may include an embedded charging station, such as for a mobile phone.

In exemplary embodiments, the inventive system may include power electronics and/or an adaptable termination box.

The invention is further described in detail by the figures and examples, which are exemplary and illustrative in nature, and do not limit the scope of the invention. It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that many obvious or non-obvious variations are conceivable within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Drawings

Fig. 1-3, 4 a-b, 5, 6 a-b, 7-11 show experimental details of the present invention.

Detailed description of the drawings

10 foldable array

1 Electrical connection between solar cells

2. Positive magnetic connector

3. Negative magnetic connector

4 Battery-Battery Electrical connection

5. Electrical connection

6. Electrical conductor

7. Insulator

8. Folding line for upward movement

9. Folding line for downward movement

11n sub-group of m cells

12. First terminal of first battery

13. Second terminal of last cell

21. Front side film

22. Front side encapsulation layer

23 PV layer

24. Backside encapsulation layer

25. Back side film

30. Reinforcing element

31. Center insulation cover

32. Insulated cover wire

33. Connecting rod

34. Electrical lead

The figures will be described in further detail in the following experimental description.

Fig. 1a shows the folding of the PV cell array 10 with a fold down line 9 and a fold up line 8.

Fig. 1b shows four subcells 11.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a foldable module of the invention with a front-side film 21, an optional front-side encapsulant layer 22, a PV layer 23, an optional back-side encapsulant layer 24, and a back-side film 25.

Fig. 3 shows an even variant of the collapsible array 10 having 4 columns, each column having 4 cells. In each column, the cells are electrically connected to adjacent cells by connections 4, + and-indicating the polarity of the respective PV cell terminals. The battery columns are attached at the top side (columns 1-2 and 3-4) or at the bottom side (columns 2-3). Thereby, a series connection of the batteries is provided. A first positive terminal 2 at a first battery 12 with magnetic contact and a negative terminal 3 at a last battery 13 with magnetic contact are shown.

Fig. 4a schematically shows a series contact array 10 with only one positive magnetic contact and only one negative magnetic contact as indicated. Such arrays may not be connected in series or in parallel with other similar arrays, at least in conventional patterns and layouts. Thus, four negative magnetic contacts 3 and four positive magnetic contacts 2 are shown in fig. 4 b. For this layout, the magnetic interconnects may be at opposite ends of the module, and 4 magnets may be required for each side. The above is a transparent foil/foil flexible module with 8 magnetic connectors (exaggerated for better viewing) and its details can be seen in fig. 5. The magnetic contacts of either polarity are electrically interconnected by respective electrical connections 5.

For odd column arrangements, it is contemplated that connector designs similar to those of the even columns of FIG. 6b may be produced. This will reduce the number of magnetic connectors and the series-parallel connection remains as simple as the even case. However, for the three-pump origami design, the cables required for the negative connector across the module in this case can significantly hinder the folding properties, or if made of flexible conductive tape, the reliability of the product after some folding/unfolding cycles can be poor. Therefore, this configuration is less preferable.

Fig. 5 shows an enlargement of the

magnetic contacts

2,3, each surrounded by an insulator 7, respectively. The idea of these 4 magnetic connectors on each side is to eliminate any wiring between modules, whatever interconnection scheme (serial or parallel) you want to create. The black line surrounding the module is a flexible frame. Isolation of the magnetic connector may also be required to avoid any accidental short circuit during connection. The connector may also include a disengagement member, such as a spring; a spring may be used which may give the magnet the ability to be released by pressing it, the spring will spring the connector outwards. The series interconnection is made by a simple rotation of the modules, while the parallel interconnection is made by a horizontal arrangement.

FIG. 6a shows the layout of an array with even columns and the way the corresponding cells are indicated by n, i e [1 to n ] and m, j e [1 to m ]. Fig. 6b shows an example of at least two negative magnetic contacts 3 and two positive magnetic contacts 2 disposed at the bottom side, right/left side of the array.

Fig. 7 shows an example of the system of the present invention forming an m = odd number, with the array on the bottom row rotated 180 degrees; note that the eject contact is shown, while the remaining contacts are retracted. Note that due to the design of 4 magnets on the sides and both ends of the panel, many columns and rows can be connected without restriction, just rotating the panel to face the correct polarity. Likewise, fig. 8 shows an example of the inventive system forming an m = even number, where the array on the bottom row is rotated 180 degrees. For the even variant, only two rows may be connected. Obviously, odd and even variants can be combined.

The preferred output voltage of the PV panel is preferably sufficient so that it can be suitably used for applications in the range of 5VDC to 96 VDC. The smallest panel can produce about 8 to 10VDC and a maximum of about 30VDC, then the series interconnection can ramp the voltage up to fit the commercially available MPPT tracker and charge controller (if the battery is also used on the system). For full area batteries (5 inches and 6 inches), the current can range from 2 amps (required for most modern devices) to 6 to 10 amps. In the case of smart power electronics, embedded AC conversion is also possible.

As shown, the magnets are electrically connected to the +/-terminals of the PV module. The area of the magnet may be about 3.2 square centimeters (about 2 centimeters in diameter and about 7 millimeters in thickness). The current generated by a large area solar cell can be safely handled by magnets of this size.

Fig. 9 shows four panels comprising a set of PV cells, forming part of a foldable array of the invention. A hinge 30 is provided between the panels, given the example at its bottom side, without the other elements of fig. 10.

Fig. 10 shows a cross-section of a hinge 30 of the present invention acting as a stiffener, a central insulating cover 31 for electrically isolating the hinge, an insulating cover wire 32 for electrically insulating the wire 32, a connecting rod 33, and an electrical wire 34 for electrically connecting one panel to an adjacent panel. Thus, the different panels of the three-pump origami method are connected by hinges. The hinge design has a link at its center that is covered by an insulating material. Jumper wires from interconnected cells of the panel are attached (if necessary, not all roof panels conduct current) to both ends of the rod. In this way, one panel is connected to the next panel to construct a three-pump origami solar module. Once the jumper wire is welded to the rod, the insulating tape is used to improve safety. The insulating cover is made of two parts to allow folding and unfolding movement. This mechanism allows for folding and unfolding movement of the panels without affecting the jumper wires, thereby improving reliability.

Fig. 11 shows an enlargement of fig. 5, with the positive magnetic connector 2 at the bottom side and the negative magnetic connector 3 at the top side, with a centrally located electrical conductor 6 and surrounded by an electrical insulator 7. The magnetic contacts are placed at the same height on opposite sides of the solar module. This allows for easy serial interconnection of more than two three-pump origami modules, doubling the power capacity without the need for cables. The only additional fitting required would be the MC4 connector of the bellows as shown. These connectors are inexpensive to obtain and the cables can be designed, for example, to magnetically connect to each end of the array. This requires a special (but uncomplicated) design of one end of the cable. In this way, only one pair of cables would be sufficient for a multi-module array. The length of the cable will be defined by the application and hence the final capacity of the array.

While described in the illustrative context of a detailed description, the invention can be better understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

It will be appreciated that one or more variations of the system of the present invention similar to those disclosed in this application and within the spirit of the invention may be preferred for commercial applications.

The claims (modification according to treaty clause 19)

1. An array (10) of PV cells comprising

At least n x m PV cells electrically connected to each other, wherein in the horizontal direction of the array, n ≧ 2, and wherein in the vertical direction of the array, m ≧ 2,

wherein each of the PV cells has a geometric form,

and

at least four magnetic array-array connectors (2, 3) for providing array-array electrical contact, at least two magnetic array-array connectors for the positive array-array contacts (2) and at least two magnetic array-array connectors for the negative array-array contacts (3),

wherein at least one positive array-array connector extends in the horizontal direction and wherein at least one negative array-array connector extends in the horizontal direction, characterized in that

Wherein at least one positive array-array connector extends in the vertical direction and wherein at least one negative array-array connector extends in the vertical direction, and wherein each connector is electrically insulated,

wherein the PV cell is disposed on a back side film,

wherein the PV cell is covered by a front-side film,

wherein at the edge of each PV cell at least four folding lines (8, 9) are provided for upward or downward movement, respectively,

wherein at least two adjacent folding lines (8) are provided at the edge of each PV cell for upward movement, and

wherein at least two adjacent folding lines (9) are provided at the edge of each PV cell for downward movement, and

wherein in the array the at least n x m PV cells are adapted to be folded by a single movement, for example by including a hinge mechanism for full folding/unfolding.

2. Array according to claim 1, wherein each cell comprises 2 to 24 sub-cells (11) and/or wherein the array provides a maximum output of 20 to 200W, in particular 30 to 100W.

3. The array according to

claim

1 or 2, wherein the geometric form is selected from a rectangle, such as a square; and parallelograms, such as diamonds.

4. An array according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein all PV cells in the n x m cell array are electrically connected in series, for example wherein in one column a positive PV cell (n = i) terminal is electrically connected (4) to an adjacent negative PV cell terminal (n = i + 1), and

wherein the first or last PV cell (n = n or n = 1) terminal in a row (m = j) is electrically connected (4) to an adjacent opposing PV cell terminal (n = n or n =1, m = j + 1),

and wherein a first terminal (12) of the first battery (n =1, m = 1) is in electrical contact with at least two magnetic array-array connectors (2, 3), and wherein a second terminal (13) of the last battery (n =1 or n, m = m) is in electrical contact with at least two magnetic array-array connectors (3, 2) having opposite electrical polarity.

5. The array according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in case of m = odd, the array comprises at least four magnetic array-array connectors for positive array-array contacts (2) arranged at one side (n =1 side) of the array, wherein at least two magnetic array-array connectors (2) are at a first edge (m = 1) and at least two magnetic array-array connectors (2) are at a second edge (m = m), and an electrical connection (5) between the connectors at the first edge and the connectors at the second edge; and at least four magnetic array-array connectors for a negative array-array contact (3) arranged at one side (n = n side) of the array, wherein at least two magnetic array-array connectors (2) are at a first edge (m = 1) and at least two magnetic array-array connectors (2) are at a second edge (m = m), and an electrical connection (5) between the connectors at the first edge and the connectors at the second edge, or

Wherein in case of m = even the array comprises at least two magnetic array-array connectors at a first edge (m = 1) for a positive array-array contact (2) arranged at one side (the n =1 side) of the array and at least two magnetic array-array connectors at a second edge (m = m) for a negative array-array contact (3) arranged at the same side (the n =1 side) of the array.

6. The array according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the PV cells are selected from conventional homojunction and heterojunction solar cells, single and bifacial solar cells, n-type and p-type single crystal silicon, microcrystalline silicon blocks, front contact solar cells, back contact solar cells, front and back junction solar cells, interdigitated back contact solar cells, and combinations thereof, and/or

Wherein the PV cell has a thickness of 10 to 100 μm, and/or

Wherein the PV cell includes an anti-reflective coating.

7. The array according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the PV cells are provided on a polymeric backside film, such as a transparent backside film, wherein the polymer is preferably selected from PE, PET and PP, and/or

Wherein the back side film has a thickness of 10 to 100 μm, and/or

Wherein the PV cell comprises a polymeric front side film, such as a transparent front side film, wherein the polymer is preferably selected from PE, PET and PP, and/or

Wherein the front-side film has a thickness of 10 to 100 μm, and/or

Wherein a third film is disposed on the front or back side of the array.

8. The array according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the PV cells comprise a lightweight encapsulant layer.

9. The array of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the array has a surface area >10 square centimeters and a mass <1 gram per square centimeter, and/or wherein the array is portable.

10. The array of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising at least one component selected from a termination box, an electrical connection, a transformer, power electronics, and an electrical power storage unit.

11. The array according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the folding is provided by the triple-pump origami technique, and/or

Wherein at least one folding line (8, 9) comprises at least one hinge (30), wherein the hinge preferably comprises at least one insulating material (31, 33) at its outer side, and wherein the hinge preferably comprises an electrical connector for connecting a group of cells with an adjacent group of cells.

12. The array according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the magnetic connectors are selected from materials comprising iron, and/or

Wherein the magnetic array-array connector is arranged at an edge of the array, preferably at an end of the edge, and/or

Wherein each magnetic connector is respectively located at a fixed position relative to the array, e.g. at a fixed distance from a corner of the array at a side of the array.

13. The array according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the magnetic connectors each have a contact area of 0.5 to 10 square centimeters, preferably 1 to 5 square centimeters, such as 3.2 ± 1 square centimeters, and/or a diameter of 2 ± 1.3 centimeters, and/or a thickness of 1 to 15 millimeters, preferably 2 to 10 millimeters, such as 7 millimeters, and/or

Wherein the magnetic connector is a magnet-to-MC 4 connector adapter.

14. A system comprising at least two arrays according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The system of claim 14, comprising a built-in charging station, such as for a mobile phone.

16. A system according to claim 14 or 15, comprising power electronics and/or an adaptable termination box.

Claims

1. An array (10) of PV cells comprising

wherein each of the PV cells has a geometric form,

and

wherein the PV cell is disposed on a backside film,

wherein the PV cell is covered by a front-side film,

wherein the array is adapted to be folded by a single movement, for example by including a hinge mechanism for full folding/unfolding.

3. The array according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the geometric form is selected from a rectangle, such as a square; and parallelograms, such as diamonds.

and wherein a first terminal of the first battery (n =1, m = 1) is in electrical contact with at least two magnetic array-array connectors, and wherein a second terminal of the last battery (n =1 or n, m = m) is in electrical contact with at least two magnetic array-array connectors having opposite electrical polarity.

6. The array according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the PV cells are selected from conventional homojunction and heterojunction solar cells, single-sided and bifacial solar cells, n-type and p-type single crystal silicon, microcrystalline silicon blocks, front contact solar cells, back contact solar cells, front and back junction solar cells, interdigitated back contact solar cells, and combinations thereof, and/or

Wherein the PV cell has a thickness of 10 to 100 μm, and/or

Wherein the PV cell includes an anti-reflective coating.

7. The array according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the PV cells are arranged on a polymeric backside film, such as a transparent backside film, wherein the polymer is preferably selected from PE, PET and PP, and/or

Wherein the back side film has a thickness of 10 to 100 μm, and/or

Wherein the PV cell comprises a polymeric front side film, e.g. a transparent front side film, wherein the polymer is preferably selected from PE, PET and PP, and/or

Wherein the front-side film has a thickness of 10 to 100 μm, and/or

Wherein a third membrane is disposed on the front or back side of the array.

11. The array of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the folding is provided by the triple-pump origami technique, and/or

Wherein the magnetic connector is a magnet-to-MC 4 connector adapter.