Photovoltaic module and waterproof adhesive tape for same

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of photovoltaic modules, and particularly provides a photovoltaic module and a waterproof adhesive tape for the photovoltaic module, the waterproof adhesive tape comprises an adhesive tape main body, the adhesive tape main body comprises: a substrate layer; the supporting layer is arranged on one side of the base material layer; the blocking layer is arranged on the side, away from the base material layer, of the supporting layer; the water-blocking bonding layer is arranged on one side, far away from the supporting layer, of the blocking layer; wherein the water-blocking bonding layer can be fixedly connected with a laminated piece of the photovoltaic module. By means of the structure, the strength of the waterproof adhesive tape can be guaranteed through the supporting layer, the waterproof effect can be guaranteed through the blocking layer, and the bonding reliability of the waterproof adhesive tape can be guaranteed through the water blocking bonding layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of photovoltaic module technology, specifically providing a photovoltaic module and a waterproof tape for photovoltaic modules. Background Technology

[0002] Photovoltaic modules generate electricity based on the photoelectric effect (also known as the photovoltaic effect) of semiconductor materials. The solar cells in a photovoltaic module are the core component for photoelectric conversion, and their fragility and perishability make them susceptible to external factors that can damage them. Therefore, photovoltaic modules need to be encapsulated to effectively prevent damage to the solar cells from factors such as chemical corrosion, mechanical impact, and climate change, thereby extending the lifespan of the photovoltaic module. With technological iterations and updates, the efficiency of photovoltaic modules is increasing, and the requirements for their encapsulation are also increasing.

[0003] Current encapsulation solutions commonly employ a silane-based sealant extruded into an aluminum alloy frame to achieve sealing and waterproofing. However, with the emergence of heterojunction and perovskite cell technologies, higher demands have been placed on the sealing and waterproofing capabilities of photovoltaic module encapsulation solutions. One such solution involves first bonding butyl adhesive around the perimeter of the laminate to create a first layer of waterproofing, followed by external sealing with silicone sealant to the frame.

[0004] For the former approach, the water vapor permeability of the silane-based sealant is 40-80 g / m². 2 A 24-hour damp heat aging test showed that moisture easily penetrated the sealant and reached the edges of the laminate. Furthermore, the encapsulating film for photovoltaic modules is typically EVA or EPE film, with a moisture permeability of 10-40 g / m³. 2 Because the solar panel operates for 24 hours, moisture can easily enter the encapsulation structure from the sides of the laminate and reach the surface of the solar cells. This not only corrodes the solar cells, TCO film, and solder ribbons, but also causes power loss and a significant degradation in the performance of the photovoltaic module. For example, if the encapsulating film is typically EVA, it will decompose upon contact with moisture to produce acetic acid. This lowers the pH value and increases the surface corrosion rate of the solar cells and solder ribbons in the photovoltaic module. Although the acetic acid production is relatively slow, the reaction process, which does not require much catalysis, can still lead to problems such as yellowing and performance degradation in the photovoltaic module.

[0005] For the latter approach, while butyl rubber can effectively block moisture from entering, it is incompatible with EVA resin and is a rubber synthesized from isobutylene and a small amount of isoprene. Therefore, a certain distance must be maintained between the two during the installation process. This poses a challenge to the installation process. If the distance is too large, air bubbles and insufficient adhesive may occur. If the distance is too small, problems such as adhesive penetration between the two may occur. This will affect the reliability of the photovoltaic module in the later stages (under aging conditions) and will also indirectly affect the moisture barrier performance of the encapsulation solution.

[0006] Accordingly, a new technical solution is needed in this field to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This application aims to at least partially solve the above-mentioned technical problems and / or solve at least a portion of the above-mentioned technical problems. Specifically, it provides a waterproof tape that can be used to encapsulate photovoltaic modules.

[0008] In a first aspect, this application provides a waterproof tape for photovoltaic modules, the waterproof tape comprising a tape body, the tape body comprising: a substrate layer; a support layer disposed on one side of the substrate layer; a barrier layer disposed on the side of the support layer away from the substrate layer; and a water-blocking adhesive layer disposed on the side of the barrier layer away from the support layer; wherein the water-blocking adhesive layer is capable of being fixedly connected to the laminate of the photovoltaic module.

[0009] This configuration allows for the protection of the waterproof tape's strength through a support layer, its waterproof effect through a barrier layer, and its bonding reliability through a water-resistant adhesive layer.

[0010] In one possible implementation of the aforementioned waterproof tape, the support layer has a first region and a second region on the side near the barrier layer, and the barrier layer is disposed in the first region.

[0011] This configuration provides a possible way for the barrier layer to form the main body of the tape.

[0012] In one possible implementation of the aforementioned waterproof tape, the second region includes a first portion and a second portion disposed on both sides of the barrier layer along the width direction of the tape body, wherein the first portion and / or the second portion are provided with a connecting structure.

[0013] This design ensures the performance of the waterproof tape.

[0014] In one possible implementation of the aforementioned waterproof tape, the connecting structure includes: a first connecting structure through which air bubbles generated during the process of bonding the waterproof tape to the laminate can be discharged; and a second connecting structure that allows silicone to overflow from the waterproof tape onto the surface of the laminate.

[0015] By setting up the first connecting structure, bonding quality can be guaranteed. By setting up the second connecting structure, encapsulation quality can be guaranteed.

[0016] It is understood that those skilled in the art can determine the structural form, number, and combination / distribution of the first / second connecting structures according to actual needs. For example, the first and second connecting structures can be integrated, that is, the same connecting structure can have the functions of both the first and second connecting structures.

[0017] In one possible implementation of the above-mentioned waterproof tape, the substrate layer is made of PVDF or PVF; and / or the thickness of the substrate layer is 15-50 μm.

[0018] This design ensures that the waterproof tape has good weather resistance.

[0019] In one possible implementation of the above-mentioned waterproof tape, the material of the support layer is PET or PE; and / or the thickness of the support layer is 12-40μm.

[0020] This design ensures the strength of the waterproof tape.

[0021] In one possible implementation of the above-mentioned waterproof tape, the barrier layer is an aluminum foil layer or a copper foil layer; and / or the thickness of the barrier layer is 20-50 μm.

[0022] This design ensures the waterproof tape's water-blocking effect.

[0023] In one possible implementation of the aforementioned waterproof tape, the water-blocking adhesive layer is made of butyl rubber or silicone pressure-sensitive adhesive.

[0024] This configuration ensures the reliability of the bonding.

[0025] In one possible implementation of the above-mentioned waterproof tape, the thickness of the water-blocking adhesive layer is 80μm-300μm.

[0026] In one possible implementation of the aforementioned waterproof tape, the substrate layer is connected to the support layer via a first adhesive layer; and / or the barrier layer is connected to the support layer via a second adhesive layer.

[0027] In one possible implementation of the above-mentioned waterproof tape, the thickness of the first adhesive layer is 10-20 μm; and / or the thickness of the second adhesive layer is 30-50 μm.

[0028] In a second aspect, this application provides a photovoltaic module comprising the waterproof tape for photovoltaic modules described in any of the preceding claims.

[0029] It is understood that the photovoltaic module has all the technical effects of the waterproof tape for photovoltaic modules described in any of the foregoing items, and will not be repeated here.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of this application, waterproof tape combined with silicone can be used on the frame of the photovoltaic module. This effectively prevents moisture from entering the interior of the photovoltaic module while meeting the requirements for strong adhesion between the frame and the laminate, thus giving the photovoltaic module superior aging performance. Furthermore, the waterproof tape of this application has advantages such as simple and easy manufacturing process and no impact on the appearance of the photovoltaic module when encapsulated. Specifically, compared to directly applying sealing silicone to the frame, this application effectively prevents moisture from entering the interior of the photovoltaic module by adding waterproof tape. Moreover, the multi-layered composite structure of the waterproof tape effectively improves the adhesion of the silicone. In addition, the waterproof tape is well hidden inside the frame when the photovoltaic module is encapsulated. Compared to adding butyl rubber for water blocking, this application does not create difficulties at the manufacturing level, thus effectively avoiding phenomena such as poor lamination. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 This diagram shows a cross-sectional view of a waterproof tape according to an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a top view schematic diagram of a waterproof tape according to an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the structure of a laminate containing waterproof tape according to an embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 4 This application shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a waterproof tape including a release layer according to an embodiment of the present application; and

[0036] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the structure of a photovoltaic module according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0037] In the attached image:

[0038] 100. Waterproof tape;

[0039] 1. Adhesive tape body;

[0040] 101. Part One; 102. Part Two;

[0041] 1021, First connecting hole; 1022, Second connecting hole;

[0042] 11. Substrate layer; 12. Support layer; 13. Barrier layer; 14. Water-resistant adhesive layer;

[0043] 151. First adhesive layer; 152. Second adhesive layer;

[0044] 2. Release layer;

[0045] 200. Laminated components;

[0046] 201. Glass; 202. Solar cell

[0047] 300. Border;

[0048] 400, silicone. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Preferred embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0050] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0051] Those skilled in the art will understand that, unless specifically stated otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” “the,” and “the” used herein may also include the plural forms. It should be further understood that the term “comprising” as used in this application means the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. It should be understood that when we say an element is “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there may be intermediate elements. Furthermore, “connected” or “coupled” as used herein can include wireless connections or couplings. The term “and / or” as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0052] Those skilled in the art will understand that, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. It should also be understood that terms such as those defined in general dictionaries should be understood to have a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the prior art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless defined as herein.

[0053] It should be noted that in the description of this application, terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," indicating directions or positional relationships, are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are used merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0054] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "setup," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0055] Furthermore, to better illustrate this application, numerous specific details are provided in the following detailed embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that this application can still be implemented without certain specific details. In some examples, the principles of photovoltaic modules, which are well-known to those skilled in the art, have not been described in detail in order to highlight the main points of this application.

[0056] Main reference Figure 1 and Figure 4 , Figure 1 This diagram shows a cross-sectional view of a waterproof tape according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the structure of a waterproof tape including a release layer according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, in one possible embodiment, the waterproof tape 100 mainly includes a tape body 1 and a release layer 2, wherein the release layer is peelably disposed on the tape body, and the tape body can be bonded to the outer periphery of the adhesive film and battery cell composite, which serves as the bonding location. Figure 1 In the orientation of the tape, the main body includes, from top to bottom, a substrate layer 11, a support layer 12, a barrier layer 13 and a water-blocking adhesive layer 14, and a release layer 2 is disposed on the side of the water-blocking adhesive layer 14 away from the barrier layer.

[0057] The topmost substrate layer 11 has good weather resistance, such as being able to operate stably for a long time under relatively harsh climatic conditions such as strong ultraviolet rays, high temperature, and high humidity, without problems such as aging, embrittlement, and discoloration. Therefore, it can effectively protect the composite material (other parts of the waterproof tape) located at its bottom.

[0058] The support layer 12 has good mechanical strength and excellent stability. It is mainly used to support the substrate layer 11 above it and to effectively protect the barrier layer 13 below it.

[0059] When the waterproof tape 100 is bonded to the laminate 200, the bottommost water-blocking adhesive layer 14 can tightly adhere the waterproof tape to the periphery of the laminate, thereby ensuring the reliability of the bonding and fixing.

[0060] In one possible implementation, the thickness of the substrate layer 11 is 15-50 μm, and the material of the substrate layer 11 is PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) or PVF (polyvinyl fluoride). A first adhesive layer 151 is provided between the substrate layer and the support layer below it, and the provision of the first adhesive layer 151 enables a tight connection between the substrate layer 11 and the support layer 12.

[0061] In one possible implementation, the thickness of the first adhesive layer 151 is 10-20 μm. For example, a layer of polyurethane adhesive or epoxy acrylate resin can be coated under the substrate layer 11, and after curing, the first adhesive layer 151 can be formed at the bottom of the substrate layer. Then, the support layer 12 can be bonded to the lower surface of the first adhesive layer.

[0062] In one possible implementation, the thickness of the support layer 12 is 12-40 μm, and the material of the support layer 12 is PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or PE (polyethylene).

[0063] In one possible implementation, the barrier layer 13 has a thickness of 20-50 μm, such as a relatively dense aluminum foil layer or copper foil layer. Due to the physical properties of aluminum / copper foil itself, it can effectively prevent water vapor / oxygen from entering the interior of the laminate, thus ensuring that the waterproof tape has good waterproof performance.

[0064] In one possible implementation, a second adhesive layer 152 is provided between the support layer 12 and the barrier layer 13. Similar to the aforementioned first adhesive layer 151, the second adhesive layer is also formed from a cured polyurethane adhesive or epoxy acrylate resin. Unlike the first adhesive layer 151, the thickness of the second adhesive layer 152 is 30-50 μm. This is because the lower surface of the second adhesive layer 152 needs to contact the barrier layer 13, which has an incompletely laid-out structure. Furthermore, the second adhesive layer 151 also bonds to the water-blocking adhesive layer 14; therefore, the thickness of its adhesive layer needs to ensure uniform bonding performance. Based on the good adhesive properties of the second adhesive layer and the aforementioned first adhesive layer, the substrate layer 11 and the support layer 12, as well as the support layer 12 and the barrier layer 13, can be effectively and tightly bonded by means of the first / second adhesive layers.

[0065] In one possible implementation, the barrier layer 13 is laid in a localized area beneath the support layer 12, thus the water-blocking adhesive layer 14 is disposed on the lower surface of the barrier layer 12 and the portion of the second adhesive layer 152 not covered by the barrier layer 13. For example, the water-blocking adhesive layer 14 may be made of butyl rubber (containing a silane coupling agent as an essential additive for interfacial water blocking) or silicone pressure-sensitive adhesive, and its thickness may be 80 μm-300 μm. The water-blocking mechanism of the water-blocking adhesive layer 14 is as follows:

[0066] For butyl rubber, its main component is polyisoprene, and the colloid contains silane coupling agents. These silane coupling agents act as an interface between inorganic and organic materials, forming a bonded layer of organic matrix, silane coupling agent, and inorganic matrix between the frame and the outer edge of the laminate. This effectively improves the water-blocking ability between the butyl rubber colloid and the glass interface layer of the laminate. Furthermore, because butyl rubber expands upon contact with water to form a dense gel-like layer, it effectively prevents moisture from penetrating into the interior of the laminate. This water-blocking mechanism is due to the fact that the main component of butyl rubber is polyisoprene.

[0067] For silicone pressure-sensitive adhesives, their water-blocking mechanism is mainly attributed to their unique chemical structure and physical properties. Specifically, silicone pressure-sensitive adhesives are primarily composed of silicone polymers containing silicon-oxygen bonds (Si-O-Si) and organic groups (such as methyl and phenyl groups). The silicon-oxygen bonds exhibit high chemical stability and are not easily reacted with water molecules, thus maintaining the water resistance of the silicone pressure-sensitive adhesive. The organic groups are hydrophobic, further enhancing the water-blocking ability of the silicone pressure-sensitive adhesive. In addition, the low surface energy of silicone materials makes it difficult for water molecules to spread and penetrate their surface, thereby enhancing their water resistance.

[0068] In this way, when the waterproof tape is bonded to the edges of the laminate, the water-blocking tape can adhere the waterproof tape tightly to the edges of the laminate, thus ensuring the reliability of the bonding and fixing.

[0069] Main reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 , Figure 2 This is a top view schematic diagram of a waterproof tape according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the structure of a laminate containing waterproof tape according to one embodiment of this application. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in one possible implementation, according to Figure 2 In the middle part of the waterproof tape 100, the middle part is the first part 101 corresponding to the support layer 12. The upper and lower sides of the first part 101 are respectively provided with the second part 102 corresponding to the second adhesive layer 152 below which the support layer 12 is not provided. The second part is designed with holes to ensure the reliability of the waterproof tape.

[0070] In one possible implementation, a first connecting hole 1021 and a second connecting hole 1022 are provided on the second part 102. In this example, the first connecting hole 1021 is a circular hole with an area of ​​5-15 mm². 2 Within this, the second connecting hole 1022 is a rectangular hole with an area of ​​10-25 mm². 2Within this context, during the application of waterproof tape, air bubbles and other defects can easily occur on the glass surface of the laminate. The main function of the round holes is to effectively expel air bubbles that may form when the waterproof tape is bonded to the outer edges of the laminate. The main function of the rectangular holes is to allow silicone to overflow from the surface of the waterproof tape onto the glass surface of the laminate during assembly between the laminate and the frame. This increases the bonding area between the silicone and the glass surface, thereby enhancing the adhesion strength. In other words, allowing silicone to overflow from the surface of the waterproof tape onto the glass surface of the laminate during assembly ensures reliable bonding.

[0071] Continue to refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 Make a 45° bevel at the four corners of the waterproof tape to ensure that the waterproof tape fits perfectly at the four corners of the laminate when it is bonded to the laminate, thus preventing the waterproof tape from overlapping.

[0072] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the structure of a photovoltaic module according to one embodiment of this application. Figure 5 As shown, in one possible embodiment, the photovoltaic module includes a waterproof tape 100, a laminate 200, and a frame 300. The frame surrounds the laminate (the photovoltaic module includes the laminate and the frame surrounding the laminate), and the waterproof tape is disposed between the frame and the laminate. For example, the laminate 200 typically includes two layers of glass 201 and a solar cell (a composite of film and solar cell) 202 sandwiched between the two layers of glass. The frame 300 (e.g., an aluminum frame) has a groove. After peeling off the release layer of the waterproof tape 100, the waterproof tape 100 can be bonded to the outer periphery of the laminate 200 via a water-blocking adhesive layer 14. The outer periphery of the laminate 200 with the waterproof tape 100 bonded can be accommodated within the groove of the frame 300. By tightly inserting silicone 400 between the groove and the outer periphery of the laminate 200 with the waterproof tape 100 bonded, the photovoltaic module can be encapsulated. The waterproof tape based on this application can effectively prevent external moisture from entering the laminate and causing corrosion of the battery cells, while the support layer ensures that the waterproof tape meets strength requirements. By creating a first hole and a second hole in the waterproof tape, the reliability of bonding and adhesive application can be guaranteed. Obviously, the specific structure of the frame and laminate is only an exemplary description; those skilled in the art can determine the specific structural form of the frame and laminate according to actual needs.

[0073] As can be seen, in the preferred embodiment of this application, by using an aluminum / copper foil layer with a thickness of 20-50 μm, the physical properties of the aluminum / copper foil layer effectively prevent moisture from entering the interior of the laminate. By attaching a PET / PE layer to the aluminum / copper foil layer, the aluminum / copper foil layer can be effectively protected. By adding a PVDF / PVF film to the PET / PE layer, the UV resistance of both the PET / PE layer and the aluminum / copper foil layer can be protected. By coating butyl rubber / silicone pressure-sensitive adhesive under the aluminum / copper foil layer, a water-blocking connection can be achieved between the waterproof tape and the laminate. For example, a composite of butyl rubber / silicone pressure-sensitive adhesive and a release layer can be used to achieve a water-blocking connection between the waterproof tape and the laminate after the release layer is peeled off. By providing round holes on both sides of the tape body corresponding to the aluminum / copper foil layer, the adhesion quality is ensured; by providing rectangular holes on both sides of the tape body corresponding to the aluminum / copper foil layer, the encapsulation quality is ensured.

[0074] The technical solutions of this application have been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of this application is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of this application, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A waterproof tape for photovoltaic modules, characterized in that, The waterproof tape includes a tape body, and the tape body includes: Substrate layer; A support layer is disposed on one side of the substrate layer; A barrier layer is disposed on the side of the support layer away from the substrate layer; and A water-blocking adhesive layer is disposed on the side of the barrier layer away from the support layer; The water-blocking adhesive layer can be fixedly connected to the laminate of the photovoltaic module.

2. The waterproof tape according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support layer has a first region and a second region on the side near the barrier layer, and the barrier layer is disposed in the first region.

3. The waterproof tape according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second region includes a first part and a second part disposed on both sides of the barrier layer along the width direction of the tape body, and the first part and / or the second part are provided with a connecting structure.

4. The waterproof tape according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connectivity structure includes: The first connecting structure allows air bubbles generated during the bonding of waterproof tape to the laminate to escape; and The second connecting structure allows silicone to overflow from the waterproof tape onto the surface of the laminate.

5. The waterproof tape according to claim 1, characterized in that, The substrate layer is made of PVDF or PVF; and / or The thickness of the substrate layer is 15-50 μm.

6. The waterproof tape according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support layer is made of PET or PE; and / or The thickness of the support layer is 12-40 μm.

7. The waterproof tape according to claim 1, characterized in that, The barrier layer is an aluminum foil layer or a copper foil layer; and / or The thickness of the barrier layer is 20-50 μm.

8. The waterproof tape according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water-blocking adhesive layer is made of butyl rubber or silicone pressure-sensitive adhesive.

9. The waterproof tape according to claim 8, characterized in that, The thickness of the water-blocking adhesive layer is 80μm-300μm.

10. The waterproof tape according to claim 5, characterized in that, The substrate layer is connected to the support layer via a first adhesive layer; and / or The barrier layer is connected to the support layer via a second adhesive layer.

11. The waterproof tape according to claim 10, characterized in that, The thickness of the first adhesive layer is 10-20 μm; and / or The thickness of the second adhesive layer is 30-50 μm.

12. A photovoltaic module, characterized in that, The photovoltaic module includes the waterproof tape for the photovoltaic module as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

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