Addressing Marine Challenges: Design Innovation and Application of QC Solar's Waterproof Junction Boxes for Photovoltaic Systems on the Sea Surface

Column：Company News Time：2024-11-27

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一、Background

Marine photovoltaics play a crucial role in renewable energy. In recent years, offshore photovoltaic plants have attracted significant attention due to their immense potential. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that their installed capacity will increase significantly by 2030. However, the harsh offshore environment presents a severe challenge to the stability of photovoltaic systems. As a core component of offshore power stations, the waterproof junction box for photovoltaic systems is essential to ensure the safety and reliability of electrical connections. Therefore, the design of the waterproof junction box must adapt to the harsh marine environment and possess durability, including resistance to salt spray, ultraviolet rays, temperature fluctuations, and wave impacts, to ensure the continuity of power transmission and the reliability of the entire system.

二、Introduction to the Waterproof Junction Box for Photovoltaics on the Sea Surface

In response to the current R&D needs in the offshore photovoltaic field, QC Solar (301278.sz) has launched a waterproof junction box for the sea surface (Figure 1). The outer shell of this product is made of PPO material. Its internal structure incorporates S-shaped pouring gel water-blocking baffle technology, ingeniously integrated with a hollowed-out base design. The cables are externally connected through a waterproof rear cover and are equipped with an M-shaped integrally molded sealing upper cover, together creating a robust waterproof barrier.

In practical applications, conventional junction boxes typically rely on internal pouring of sealant for sealing. However, in the marine environment, a single sealing design is insufficient. Therefore, QC Solar's sea surface junction box design takes into account both sealing effectiveness and ease of installation and maintenance, reducing the complexity and risks associated with offshore operations. With its modular design, components can be quickly replaced, thus reducing maintenance costs and downtime.

三、 Advantages of the Product

3.1 Innovation in the Waterproof Design of the Upper Cover

As shown in Figure 3.1, the clearance gap of the upper cover in traditional waterproof junction boxes can lead to seawater accumulation, which increases the risk of seal failure. The sea surface waterproof junction box by QC Solar adopts an innovative M-shaped sealing ring upper cover, effectively blocking seawater, keeping the interior dry, and providing excellent waterproof protection.

3.2 Breakthrough in Internal Waterproof Technology
As shown in Figure 3.2: Traditional waterproof junction boxes usually adopt a vertical glue-pouring sealing method, which is difficult to resist the long-term corrosion and penetration of seawater. However, QC Solar's sea surface waterproof junction box adopts a unique S-shaped bilateral glue-pouring sealing technology, extending the path for water vapor to enter. Combined with the M-shaped sealing ring and S-shaped dual structure, its waterproof ability is significantly enhanced.

3.3 Optimization of the External Waterproof Structure

As shown in Figure 3.3, traditional waterproof junction boxes use ultrasonic buckles to fix the cables to the box body, but this method leaves gaps, which can lead to the accumulation of solid salt crystals due to seawater, reducing waterproof performance. QC Solar's sea surface waterproof junction box uses multiple threads, internal claws, and plugs to secure the components, and is locked at the rear end with an anti-backlash mechanism after assembly, creating a longer protective and waterproof barrier that effectively prevents the intrusion of seawater.

3.4 Outstanding Performance in Waterproof Properties

The internal design of QC Solar's sea surface waterproof junction box (see Figure 3.4) incorporates an S-shaped glue-pouring water-blocking track, significantly improving its resistance to waterproof penetration. Along with the M-shaped integrally molded sealing upper cover (see Figure 3.5), a dual waterproof barrier is formed (see Figure 3.6). Externally, the cables are secured using a combination of nuts, claws, and plugs (see Figure 3.7), ensuring both strong fixation and enhanced waterproof performance.