DESC:FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates generally to a system and method of increasing field power gain in photovoltaic (PV) modules; more specifically, the invention relates to a unique positioning of the photovoltaic modules to optimize the generation of energy in a photovoltaic array.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[002] Solar power systems have been a reliable source of renewable energy for a long time. A traditional solar power system consists of an array of photovoltaic (PV) modules called a photovoltaic panel arranged together on different kinds of surfaces, especially the roofs of commercial and residential buildings.
[003] The traditional arrangement of photovoltaic modules in the solar power systems leads to generation of a specific amount of energy from each photovoltaic cell present in the photovoltaic module. However, there is a huge scope to increase the energy generation which can be utilized in multiple fields.
[004] Existing technologies for optimizing generation of solar energy from the photovoltaic panels do not have provisions for making amendments in the positioning of the photovoltaic panels to increase the energy production. Hence, they result in the same amount of energy being generated from all photovoltaic cells comprised within the photovoltaic module.
[005] The photovoltaic modules produce more output when direct sunlight falls on the surface area of photovoltaic arrays. It is important that the photovoltaic arrays are pointed or orientated directly to face the sun`s radiant energy, thereby producing maximum energy and extracting most energy out of solar panel arrangement. Getting the correct orientation to obtain optimum output is not easy. Standard rooftop racking systems are optimized for vertical mounting. Installing photovoltaic modules with a horizontal orientation requires more rows, and consequently, more hardware. For example, a rooftop system containing twelve photovoltaic modules requires three rows of four photovoltaic modules in a landscape configuration. Whereas, in a portrait orientation, two rows of six modules each are required. More rows require more mounting clamps and standoffs thereby increasing photovoltaic hardware costs and complicated wiring. With less hardware, portrait installation is much easier and quicker to complete.
[006] During installation, the main test to grab maximum benefit of free solar power is to ensure that the photovoltaic solar panel or a complete photovoltaic arrangement, is suitably orientated and positioned with respect to the direct sunlight coming from the sun at all times of the day. Even, with suitable orientation, conventional systems are not generating optimum energy in the photovoltaic modules arranged in a portrait manner.
[007] Hence, to overcome the above-mentioned problems, there exists a need for a system and method for positioning of photovoltaic modules in a manner such that the photovoltaic modules efficiently increase field power gain by harnessing solar energy at optimum levels.

OBJECT OF INVENTION
[008] The principal object of the invention is to provide a method for systematically placing photovoltaic modules one after another at a certain height above a mounting surface to increase power gain from a solar power system.
[009] It is another object of the invention to provide a method for connecting a pre-determined number of photovoltaic modules in a photovoltaic array in a way that optimizes the generation of power.
[0010] It is yet another object of the invention to provide a method for placing of photovoltaic modules in a portrait manner at a certain angle of incidence to enhance field power gain.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0011] This invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which, like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures.
[0012] The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0013] Fig. 1 depicts an arrangement of photovoltaic modules forming a photovoltaic array in a portrait manner.
[0014] Fig. 2 depicts an exemplary side-view of the photovoltaic array and illustrates the varying height at which each individual photovoltaic module is located with reference to a ground surface on which the photovoltaic array is mounted.
[0015] Fig. 3 depicts a flowchart elaborating a method of generating power in the photovoltaic modules of the solar power system.
[0016] Fig. 4 depicts a diagram showing output from different photovoltaic modules during peak and off-peak hours.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION
[0017] The present invention discloses a system and method for increasing field power gain in photovoltaic modules, where at least four photovoltaic modules are stacked in a portrait manner. A photovoltaic array formed with vertically stacked photovoltaic modules is inclined in a specific manner such that the upper photovoltaic modules of the photovoltaic array are placed at a relatively higher height from ground surface than the lower photovoltaic modules of the photovoltaic array. Four to ten photovoltaic modules are stacked in the photovoltaic array of a solar power system. The upper photovoltaic modules and lower photovoltaic modules generate a non-uniform output during peak hours. Each upper module of the photovoltaic array generates a higher output than its preceding module in the photovoltaic array. Higher output is generated during peak hours of Sun`s radiation incident on the solar power system. Upper photovoltaic modules produce 2% to 5% higher output than the lower photovoltaic modules (preceding solar power module) of the photovoltaic array. Meanwhile, a uniform output is produced throughout the photovoltaic array during off-peak hours of sun`s radiation, wherein the sun’s radiation is incident on the solar power system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0018] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0019] The embodiments herein below provide a method of optimizing production of electrical energy from photovoltaic modules by arranging the photovoltaic modules in a particular manner conducive for higher energy generation.
[0020] Multiple photovoltaic cells are connected together electrically to form a photovoltaic module. Once the photovoltaic module is formed by an arrangement of photovoltaic cells, multiple photovoltaic modules are connected together to create a photovoltaic panel. A systematic arrangement of photovoltaic panels is called a photovoltaic array in a solar power system.
[0021] The present invention discloses a method for enhancing the generation of electrical energy in a solar power system. The angle of inclination of the photovoltaic array with reference to a ground surface tends to have an effect on the overall generation of electrical energy. Inclining the photovoltaic array at a specific angle during peak hours allows for better absorption of additional solar energy by the upper photovoltaic modules in comparison with the lower photovoltaic modules (preceding photovoltaic modules) of the photovoltaic array. The ground surface is any surface on which the photovoltaic array is mounted.
[0022] In the present disclosure, the photovoltaic (PV) array may refer to a set of photovoltaic modules stacked in a portrait manner.
[0023] In the present disclosure, peak hours may refer to hours between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
[0024] In the present disclosure, stacking may refer to an arrangement of photovoltaic modules in a photovoltaic array.
[0025] In the present disclosure, an inclination may refer to a particular manner or angle in which the photovoltaic array is inclined with reference to ground or a mounting surface.
[0026] In the present disclosure, energy may refer to an electrical energy output generated by photovoltaic modules.
[0027] Referring now to the drawings, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments.
[0028] Fig. 1 depicts an arrangement of photovoltaic modules 100 forming a photovoltaic array in a portrait manner. In a preferred embodiment, the photovoltaic modules 101 are stacked together in a portrait manner, which is contradictory to a traditional practice of stacking photovoltaic modules 101 in a landscape manner. In a preferred embodiment, the photovoltaic array 102 may comprise as few as four and as many as ten photovoltaic modules 101 stacked in portrait manner.
[0029] Multiple photovoltaic modules 101 are stacked and connected electrically (not shown in the figure) to form a photovoltaic array 102 in a solar power system. The connections are through wires which are made from one or more conducting materials like copper, aluminium, and the like. The wires are either solid or stranded and are covered in insulation for protection from external factors like heat, moisture, etc.
[0030] Fig. 2 represents an exemplary side view 200 of an individual photovoltaic array 102 in a solar power system. The photovoltaic array 102 is inclined at a specific angle (not shown in the figure). The angle of incidence is an important and critical factor that impacts the performance of the photovoltaic modules 101 in the solar power system.
[0031] A photovoltaic cell is essentially an electrical device that converts the incident light energy into electrical energy at the atomic level i.e., the photovoltaic cell absorbs photons of light and releases electrons (free electrons) from the surface over which the light is incident. Capturing of free electrons results in the production of electrical charge.
[0032] In photovoltaic (PV) cells (not shown in the figure), a thin semiconductor wafer comprises an electric field, positive on one side and negative on the other side. When electrical conductors are connected to the positive and the negative side, the photovoltaic cell functions as a closed circuit. When electrons are released from the semiconductor wafer, the electrons are captured within the circuit, thus resulting in the generation of electrical charge in the circuit.
[0033] Adaptive photovoltaic cells are capable of changing absorption characteristics based on the environmental conditions around the photovoltaic cells and respond to the intensity of the light and the incident angle of the light around the photovoltaic cells.
[0034] Owing to the above-mentioned properties, the photovoltaic modules 101 stacked at the top-most part of the photovoltaic array 102 tend to absorb more incident light energy during peak hours of sunlight, in comparison with the preceding photovoltaic modules 101 stacked at the bottom-most part of the photovoltaic array 102. Hence, the photovoltaic modules 101 stacked at the top-most part of the photovoltaic array 102 produce considerably more electrical energy in comparison with the preceding photovoltaic modules 101 stacked at the bottom-most part of the photovoltaic array 102.
[0035] In a preferred embodiment, owing to the inclination of the photovoltaic array 102, each of the photovoltaic modules 101 generate approximately 2% to 5% more electrical energy than the preceding photovoltaic modules 101 stacked at the bottom-most part of the photovoltaic array 102. As an example, the photovoltaic modules 101 stacked at the top-most part of the photovoltaic array 102 produce about 2% to 5% more energy than the preceding photovoltaic modules 101 located just below the top most part (i.e., second row from top) and so on.
[0036] In an embodiment, the photovoltaic modules 101 stacked at the top-most part of the photovoltaic array 102 may be referred to as upper photovoltaic modules 101, while the photovoltaic modules stacked at the lower part of the photovoltaic array 102 may be referred to as lower photovoltaic modules.
[0037] In an embodiment, an angle of inclination of the upper photovoltaic modules may be different from an angle of inclination of the lower photovoltaic module. Hence, the angle of incidence of sun rays upon the upper photovoltaic modules is different from the angle of inclination of the lower photovoltaic module. Thus, for different stages of sunlight, different angles of inclination and incidence may result in differences in the energy generated by the upper photovoltaic module and the lower photovoltaic module.
[0038] In a preferred embodiment, within the photovoltaic array 102, the topmost module of the photovoltaic module 101 is located at height “h”. The preceding modules of the photovoltaic module 101 are stacked at comparatively lesser heights “h-x” and “h-2x” as illustrated in fig. 2. The peak hours of sunlight i.e., on an average, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. prove to be very conducive for generation of electrical energy at optimum levels. During the off-peak hours of sunlight, all the modules of the photovoltaic modules 101 in the photovoltaic array 102 of the solar power system produce same amount of electrical energy.
[0039] Fig. 3 depicts a flowchart 300 illustrating a method for enhancing electrical energy generation in a solar power system. At 301, rays from the sun, i.e., the light energy falls directly on the inclined photovoltaic array 102. At 302, the photovoltaic array 102 is inclined at an angle to increase the absorption of the light energy in the top-most photovoltaic module 101 during the peak hours of sunlight. At 303, the specific angle of inclination results in a generation of 2% to 5% more energy by the top-most photovoltaic modules 101 in comparison with the preceding photovoltaic modules 101. At 304, all the photovoltaic modules 101 in the photovoltaic array 102 produce the same amount of electrical energy during off-peak hours.
[0040] Fig. 4 depicts a pictorial representation 400 illustrating output from different photovoltaic modules 101 at peak hours 401 and off-peak hours 402. Each upper photovoltaic module 101 stacked at a top-most region of the PV array 102 generates 2% to 5% more energy 403 during peak hours 401 of solar irradiance in comparison with the energy 404 produced by preceding photovoltaic modules 101 stacked at the bottom most region of the PV array 102. Energy generated by the upper photovoltaic module 101 stacked at a top-most region of the PV array 102 during peak hours, is higher in comparison with the preceding photovoltaic modules 101 stacked at the bottom most region of the PV array 102. Further, the stacking of PV modules 101 in portrait orientation results in the generation of 2% to 5% higher energy in comparison with the conventional approach of stacking PV modules 101 in landscape orientation. Hence, the present invention has resulted in increased field power gain for photovoltaic modules 101 during peak hours. However, uniform output 405 is generated by each photovoltaic module 101 of the photovoltaic array 102 during off-peak hours 402 of solar irradiance.
[0041] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the embodiments as described herein.
,CLAIMS:1. A solar power system for increasing field power gain in photovoltaic modules (101), comprising:
at least four photovoltaic modules (101) stacked in a photovoltaic array (102) in a portrait manner, wherein the portrait manner further comprises an angle for positioning the photovoltaic array (102), and wherein the at least four photovoltaic modules (101) comprises at least two upper photovoltaic modules (101) and at least two lower photovoltaic modules (101);
the at least two upper photovoltaic modules (101) inclined at a relatively higher height from a ground surface than the at least two lower photovoltaic modules (101).

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the photovoltaic array (102) comprises ten photovoltaic modules (101).

3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the angle represents an inclination of the photovoltaic array (102) for absorbing light energy from the sun.

4. The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the angle of inclination of the at least two upper photovoltaic modules (101) is different from the angle of inclination of the at least two lower photovoltaic modules (101).

5. A method (300) for increasing field power gain in photovoltaic modules (101), said method (300) comprising:
stacking of at least four photovoltaic panels in a photovoltaic array (102) in a portrait manner;
inclining the photovoltaic array (102) such that at least two upper photovoltaic modules (101) are at a relatively higher height from ground surface than at least two lower photovoltaic modules (101);

6. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the photovoltaic array (102) further comprises ten photovoltaic modules (101).

7. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the portrait orientation of photovoltaic modules (101) further comprises an angle for positioning the photovoltaic array (102).

8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the angle represents an inclination of the photovoltaic array (102) for absorbing light energy from the sun.

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the angle of inclination of the at least two upper photovoltaic modules (101) is different from the angle of inclination of the at least two lower photovoltaic modules (101).