The Improvement of Junction Box Within Photovoltaic Power System

In the PV (Photovoltaic) power system, a junction box collects the DC voltage generated from the PV module andtransfers it to the PCS (power conditioning system). The junction box prevents damage caused by the voltagedifference between the serially connected PV modules and provides convenience while repairing or inspectingthe PV array. In addition, the junction box uses the diode to protect modules from the inverse current when the PVpower system and electric power system are connected for use. However, by using the reverse blocking diode, heatis generated within the junction box while generating electric power, which decreases the generating efficiency, andcauses short circuit and electric leakage. In this research, based on the purpose of improving the performance of thePV module by decreasing the heat generation within the junction box, a junction box with a built-in bypass circuit wasdesigned/manufactured so that a certain capacity of current generated from the PV module does not run through thereverse blocking diode. The manufactured junction box was used to compare the electric power and heating powergenerated when the circuit was in the bypass/non-bypass modes. It was confirmed that the electric power loss andheat generation indicated a decrease when the circuit was in the bypass mode. KCI Citation Count: 1