Photovoltaic modules for insulating glass units, insulating glass units comprising such modules and processes for manufacturing such insulating glass units

Abstract

A hollow glass unit (10) is described, comprising: at least partially transparent first and second panels (5, 6); a single spacer (7) interposed between the panels (5, 6); a photovoltaic module (1) comprising: a photovoltaic cell (2) extending in a main extension plane (20) defined by a first direction (X) and a second direction (Y) transversal to the first direction (X); a support (3) coupled to the photovoltaic cell (2); the support (3) having at least a first wall (301) and a second wall (302) facing opposite portions, the first and second walls (301, 302) being substantially planar and substantially parallel to the main extension plane (20); a sealant at least partially contacting the first and second walls (301, 302), with the side of the spacer (7) facing the panels (5, 6). A process for manufacturing the hollow glass unit (10) is further described.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a photovoltaic module for use in insulating glass units.

[0002] The present invention further relates to an insulating glass unit comprising such a photovoltaic module and a process for manufacturing such an insulating glass unit. Background Technology

[0003] Various types of insulated glass units, including those with integrated photovoltaic cells, are known. It is well known that different methods exist that allow photovoltaic cells to be inserted into insulated glass units.

[0004] According to a first method for manufacturing photovoltaic insulated glass units, photovoltaic cells are laminated between two pieces of glass, and then an insulated glass unit is manufactured by connecting one piece of glass to a pair of pieces of glass in which the photovoltaic cells are arranged.

[0005] Disadvantageously, such solutions are complex and can only be manufactured by specialized glass manufacturers because they require dedicated and specific equipment.

[0006] The second known type of photovoltaic insulated glass unit involves the use of a thin film made of photovoltaic components. Also in this type, such a thin film is typically arranged between a pair of glass panes that are connected to another glass pane to form an insulated glass unit.

[0007] Disadvantageously, the technology involves high costs due to the manufacturing of thin photovoltaic films. Furthermore, in similar cases, the production process requires specific equipment.

[0008] Existing technical documents US 2022 / 360210 A1, US 2021 / 265942 A1, US 2011 / 133940 A1 and US2021 / 152118 A1 describe other types of photovoltaic insulating glass units. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the disadvantages mentioned above, and in particular to conceive of a photovoltaic module for insulating glass units and an insulating glass unit including such a module, which is simple to manufacture and applicable to conventional methods for manufacturing insulating glass units.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a process for manufacturing photovoltaic insulating glass units that is simple and inexpensive.

[0011] These and other objectives according to the invention are achieved by a photovoltaic module for a hollow glass unit, a hollow glass unit including such a module and having the features set forth in claim 1, and a process for manufacturing a hollow glass unit as set forth in claim 9.

[0012] Further features of the insulating glass unit according to the invention are described in the dependent claims. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The features and advantages of the photovoltaic module according to the present invention, the insulating glass unit including such a module, and the process for manufacturing such an insulating glass unit will become more apparent from the following exemplary and non-limiting description with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0014] - Figure 1a A cross-section of a side view of a photovoltaic module according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0015] - Figure 1b The steps of the process for manufacturing the insulating glass unit according to the present invention, starting from the photovoltaic module of Figure 1, are shown;

[0016] - Figure 2 A front view of the photovoltaic module is shown, in which the support members are cut at a 45° angle;

[0017] - Figures 3a-3c A cross-section of the side view of the photovoltaic module in Figure 1 is shown, in which the photovoltaic units are connected to the support in three different ways;

[0018] - Figure 4 A top view of a cross section along a vertical plane of a hollow glass unit with spacers, according to various embodiments, is shown, in which a photovoltaic module according to the invention is mounted;

[0019] - Figure 5 A top view of a cross section along a vertical plane of a hollow glass unit with spacers, in which the photovoltaic module of Figure 1 is installed;

[0020] - Figure 6 A top view is shown of a section along a vertical plane of a hollow glass unit with two spacers, in which the units shown in Figure 1 and... Figure 5 Photovoltaic modules;

[0021] - Figure 7 A top view of a cross-section along a vertical plane of a hollow glass unit with two spacers, according to another embodiment, is shown, in which a photovoltaic module according to the invention is mounted. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Referring to the accompanying drawings, a photovoltaic module 1 for a hollow glass unit 10 is described below according to the present invention.

[0023] As described below, the photovoltaic module 1 is intended for use within the manufacturing process of the insulating glass unit 10, thereby enabling it to generate energy.

[0024] The photovoltaic module 1 according to the present invention includes a photovoltaic unit 2.

[0025] The photovoltaic unit 2 extends in a main extension plane 20 defined by a first direction X and a second direction Y transverse to the first direction X.

[0026] In fact, the photovoltaic unit has a thickness S1, which is negligible in a third direction Z orthogonal to the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0027] In the context of this specification, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., do not indicate an order of importance, but are used only to distinguish different elements in different ways based on the order of description. In particular, the existence of a third element does not necessarily imply the existence of a first or second element described before the third element.

[0028] Photovoltaic unit 2 can be made of different types of photovoltaic materials, such as silicon cells, CdTE, CdS, GaAs, CIS, CIGS, perovskite, polymers or other known technologies.

[0029] Photovoltaic unit 2 may include a substrate, photovoltaic materials, and encapsulant / coating (not shown).

[0030] The photovoltaic module 1 includes a support member 3 that is connected to the photovoltaic unit 2.

[0031] Support 3 acts as a structural retainer for photovoltaic unit 2.

[0032] The support member 3 has at least a first wall 301 and a second wall 302 facing opposite portions. The first wall 301 and the second wall 302 are substantially planar and substantially parallel to the main extension plane 20. In other words, the first wall 301 and the second wall 302 are substantially parallel to each other and opposite to each other. In use, the first wall 301 and the second wall 302 each face the corresponding translucent panel.

[0033] According to the present invention, such as Figure 1b As shown, the first wall 301 and the second wall 302 are configured to be arranged to at least partially contact the sealant layer 4.

[0034] In other words, the first wall 301 and the second wall 302 are adapted to be arranged parallel to the first side 701 of the spacer 7, which is intended to face the at least partially transparent panels 5, 6. In particular, the first wall 301 of the support 3 is adapted to face the first side 701 of the spacer 7. The first wall 301 of the support is further adapted to be connected to the first side 701 of the spacer 7 using a sealant layer 4.

[0035] Photovoltaic unit 2 extends the first segment L1 along the second direction Y in length.

[0036] The first segment L1 is shaped based on the amount of energy to be generated. In particular, the larger the first segment L1 is, the greater the energy generated.

[0037] The first segment L1 also depends on the size of the insulating glass unit 10 into which the photovoltaic module 1 is intended to be inserted. In particular, the larger the insulating glass unit 10, the more the first segment L1 can be increased. For example, the first segment L1 is between 0.1 cm and 50 cm.

[0038] Support member 3 also extends in a direction parallel to the second direction Y.

[0039] Specifically, the first wall 301 extends into a second segment L2 in length along a direction parallel to the second direction Y. Preferably, the second segment L2 is larger than the first segment L1.

[0040] The second wall 302 extends a third segment L3 in length along a direction parallel to the second direction Y. According to some embodiments, the third segment L3 is not higher than the first segment L1.

[0041] Preferably, the third segment L3 is smaller than the first segment L1. Also preferably, the third segment L3 is not higher than the second segment L2.

[0042] Preferably, the support member 3 includes a first portion 31 and a second portion 32 that extends overhanging the first portion 31. The second portion 32 has a third wall 303.

[0043] The third wall 303 is basically parallel to the first wall 301 and the second wall 302.

[0044] Specifically, the second part 32, together with the first part 31, defines the base 33 for the photovoltaic unit 2.

[0045] Preferably, the second wall 302 is located in the first part 31.

[0046] Preferably, the first portion 31 has a fourth wall 304 that is substantially perpendicular to the second wall 302. The fourth wall 304 is defined by the overhanging second portion 32.

[0047] It should be noted that the base 33 is preferably defined by the third wall 303 and the fourth wall 304. In particular, the photovoltaic unit 1 is connected to the third wall 303. In fact, the photovoltaic unit 2 is partially enclosed between the lower third wall 301 and the lateral fourth wall 304.

[0048] Considering the sections of the support member 3 and the photovoltaic module 1 that are orthogonal to the main extension plane 20 as a whole, according to the present invention, when the photovoltaic module 1 has a plurality of photovoltaic units 2 placed side by side and aligned with each other, a single photovoltaic unit 2 or a plurality of photovoltaic units 2 placed side by side and aligned with each other is arranged between the first wall 301 and the second wall 302.

[0049] The photovoltaic unit 2 has a thickness S1, which depends on the technology used, the support member 3 to which the photovoltaic unit 2 is connected, and the possible encapsulants / coatings they may have. For example, the thickness S1 is between 0.1 mm and 5 mm.

[0050] The second overhang of the support member 3 has a thickness S2, which is suitable for structurally supporting the photovoltaic module 1. For example, the thickness S2 (i.e., the distance between the first wall 301 and the third wall 302) is between 0.1 mm and 5 mm.

[0051] The support member 3 is preferably extruded.

[0052] The support 3 is preferably made of metal or plastic material, and may optionally be reinforced with glass fiber or other composite materials.

[0053] For example, support 3 is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy.

[0054] If made of plastic material, in some applications, some or all of the walls of the support 3 may be coated with a film made of a metal material, such as aluminum, aluminum alloy or other metals.

[0055] Each photovoltaic module 1 may include one or more photovoltaic units 2. These photovoltaic units 2 may be electrically connected in series, in parallel, or in a connected combination. In particular, a single support member 3 may be connected to multiple photovoltaic units 2.

[0056] In any case, if multiple photovoltaic units 2 are included, these photovoltaic units are preferably placed side by side, and all of them are aligned with each other and parallel to each other on the third wall 303.

[0057] The connection between the photovoltaic unit 2 and the support member 3 can be achieved, for example, by gluing or mechanical fastening. Alternatively, the connection between the photovoltaic unit 2 and the support member 3 can be magnetic.

[0058] In particular, in the case of mechanical fixation, the support 3 includes a mechanical coupling device 310 arranged at the end, which is adapted to hold the photovoltaic unit 2 in the seat 33.

[0059] In the case of bonding, the photovoltaic module 1 includes an adhesive layer 8 between the support member 3 and the photovoltaic unit 1.

[0060] The adhesive layer 8 is specifically placed on the third wall 303.

[0061] exist Figures 3a-3b Examples of mechanical fixation and examples of fixation by glue 8 can be seen in the image.

[0062] refer to Figure 3c Preferably, the substrate 3 includes an electrical connector 9 to which the photovoltaic unit 2 is connected. The electrical connector 9 allows connection between the photovoltaic units 2 of the photovoltaic module 1.

[0063] The support member 3 may have one or more recesses 90. The purpose of such recesses 90 is to allow the insertion of the electrical connector 9 or the passage of the connecting cable.

[0064] The recess 90 is formed on the third wall 303. Alternatively, the recess 90 may also be formed on the first wall 301.

[0065] According to the first embodiment, the support member 3 includes a first protrusion 34 at a first portion 31. The first protrusion 34 extends perpendicularly to the first wall 301.

[0066] Preferably, the first protrusion 34 is placed at one end of the support member 3.

[0067] The first tab 34 is adapted to face and contact the sides 702, 704 of the spacer 7, which are intended to be perpendicular to the at least partially transparent panels 5, 6.

[0068] Preferably, the first tab 34 is defined by a third portion 34' of the support member 3, which extends cantileveredly from the first portion 31. In particular, the first tab 34 defines a fifth wall 341 and a sixth wall 342 of the support member 3.

[0069] The fifth wall 341 and the sixth wall 342 are preferably perpendicular to the first wall 301.

[0070] Specifically, in use, the fifth wall 341 faces the side of the spacer 7 that is intended to be perpendicular to the panels 5 and 6, while the sixth wall 342 faces another sealant layer 12, which optionally has different properties from the sealant layer 4.

[0071] like Figures 5-7 As can be seen, the embodiment with the first protrusion 34 is suitable for insulated glass unit 10 with spacers 7 or even two spacers 7.

[0072] According to the second embodiment, the support member 3 further includes a second protrusion 35. The second protrusion 35 is positioned at the first portion 31. According to a preferred embodiment, the second protrusion is aligned with the first protrusion 34.

[0073] The second protrusion 35 extends perpendicularly to the first wall 301 in the opposite direction to the first protrusion 34.

[0074] Preferably, the second tab 35 is placed at one end of the support member 3 (i.e. the same end where the first tab 34 is located).

[0075] The second tab 35 is adapted to face and contact the sides 702, 704 of the different spacers 7, which are intended to be perpendicular to the at least partially transparent panels 5, 6. Specifically, as... Figure 7 As shown, the embodiment with two tabs 34 and 35 is preferably applicable to the case of an insulated glass unit 10 with two spacers 7.

[0076] Preferably, the second tab 35 is defined by a fourth portion 35' of the support 3, which extends cantileveredly from the first portion 31. Similar to the first tab 34, the second tab 35 defines a seventh wall 351 and an eighth wall 352.

[0077] The seventh wall 351 and the eighth wall 352 are preferably perpendicular to the first wall 301.

[0078] According to a preferred embodiment, the eighth wall 352 extends seamlessly from the sixth wall 342.

[0079] Specifically, in use, the seventh wall 351 faces the side of the spacer 7 that is perpendicular to the panels 5 and 6, while the eighth wall 352 faces another sealant layer 12.

[0080] A key technical advantage associated with this second embodiment involves that the sealant layer 4 can be applied to the spacer 7 instead of the support 3 during the manufacturing process of the insulating glass unit 10, as described below.

[0081] The embodiment with tabs 34 and 35 can be applied to spacers 7 with polygonal cross sections.

[0082] Preferably, the sixth wall 342 extends into a fourth segment L4 in a direction parallel to the third party toward Z. Still preferably, the eighth wall 352 extends into a fifth segment L5 in a direction parallel to the third party toward Z.

[0083] The fourth section L4 and the fifth section L5 may be different from each other. Alternatively, the fourth section L4 and the fifth section L5 may be equal to each other.

[0084] More preferably, the fourth segment L4 is at least equal to the sum of the lengths of S1, S2 and the fifth wall 341.

[0085] According to the third embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown, the support member 3 may also not include the tabs. This third embodiment can also be applied to the spacer 7 having a polygonal cross-section.

[0086] This third embodiment provides a support member 3 with a substantially U-shaped cross-section. In particular, the overhanging second portion 32 extends between the first portion 31 and the fifth portion 330.

[0087] The support member 3 includes such a fifth portion 330. The fifth portion 330 defines a portion of the first wall 301 and further has a ninth wall 331.

[0088] Preferably, the ninth wall 331 faces the same portion as the second wall 302 and the opposite portion to the first wall 301. Still preferably, the ninth wall 331 is substantially planar and substantially parallel to the extending plane 20. It should be noted that the ninth wall 331 is configured to at least partially contact the sealant layer 4. In use, the ninth wall 331 faces the at least partially transparent panel 5 and is attached to the panel using the sealant layer.

[0089] In this third embodiment, the seat portion 33 is further defined by a tenth wall 332, which is part of the third portion 330 and is parallel to and faces the fourth wall 304.

[0090] Part of the present invention also includes the hollow glass unit 10 of the above-mentioned module.

[0091] According to the present invention, the insulating glass unit 10 includes a first panel 5 that is at least partially transparent.

[0092] The insulated glass unit 10 further includes a second panel 6 that is at least partially transparent. The first panel 5 and the second panel 6 are spaced apart from each other.

[0093] The first panel 5 and the second panel 6 are made of glass, for example.

[0094] The insulated glass unit 10 may include more than two (e.g., three) at least partially transparent panels.

[0095] The insulated glass unit 10 includes at least one spacer 7 located between the panels 5 and 6.

[0096] Preferably, the insulating glass unit 10 includes only one spacer 7 between the panels 5 and 6.

[0097] "Only one" spacer 7 means that there is a single spacer on each side of the perimeter of the insulating glass unit 10 between two adjacent panels. For example, in the case where the insulating glass unit has a square or rectangular shape and therefore has four sides, there may be a single spacer (folded at 90° along all four sides) or four spacers (one spacer on each side).

[0098] If the insulated glass unit 10 includes more than two panels, the insulated glass unit 10 will include a base unit consisting of a first panel 5 and a second panel 6 and one or more other panels, with a single spacer 7 arranged between the first panel and the second panel, the one or more other panels being arranged laterally to one of the first panel 5 or the second panel 6 in parallel and side by side, and another spacer between each panel and the next panel.

[0099] The spacer 7 is preferably of the conventional type.

[0100] For example, spacer 7 has a cross-section that is substantially rectangular or generally polygonal.

[0101] Each spacer 7 has a first side portion 701 and a third side portion 703 opposite to the first side portion 701. Each of the first side portion 701 and the third side portion 703 faces the corresponding panel 5, 6. In particular, the first side portion 701 and the third side portion 703 are arranged parallel to the second direction Y.

[0102] Each spacer 7 further has a second side 702 and a fourth side 704, which are opposite to each other and perpendicular to the first side 701.

[0103] The insulated glass unit 10 includes the photovoltaic module 1 as described above.

[0104] Specifically, the photovoltaic module 1 is connected to the spacer 7 after being pre-assembled by wiring.

[0105] The insulating glass unit 10 includes a sealant 4, which is disposed at least between the first side 701 and the photovoltaic module 1. In other words, the sealant 4 is located between the spacer 7 and the photovoltaic module 1. Specifically, according to the invention, the photovoltaic module 1 is directly fixed to the first side 701 of the spacer 7 using the sealant 4.

[0106] Therefore, the photovoltaic module 1 is placed between the spacer 7 and the first panel 5, with only the sealant 4 sandwiched between them.

[0107] Specifically, the first wall 301 and the second wall 302 of the photovoltaic module 1 are at least partially in contact with the sealant layer 4.

[0108] The sealant 4 is preferably of the butyl type.

[0109] The insulating glass unit 10 includes or can be connected to a cable (not shown) adapted to transmit the current generated by the photovoltaic unit from the insulating glass unit 10 itself. For example, the insulating glass unit 10 can use such a cable to connect to an energy storage system (e.g., a battery), which can be connected to or be connected to an electronic or electrical device or system. Alternatively, the insulating glass unit 10 can include a cable directly connected to an electronic or electrical device or system. For example, the electronic or electrical device or system could be a lighting system comprising multiple LED lights. Such a system can be positioned, for example, on wall 301, on wall 303, or in other locations inside or outside the insulating glass unit.

[0110] Alternatively, the insulated glass unit 10 can be connected to the power grid to directly input any excess energy generated into the grid.

[0111] According to one embodiment, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the insulated glass unit 10 includes two spacers 7 located between the panels 5 and 6.

[0112] The spacer 7 can have the same or different geometries.

[0113] According to such an embodiment, the photovoltaic module 1 includes a first tab 34 and / or a second tab 35.

[0114] According to such an embodiment, the photovoltaic module 1 is arranged such that the first tab 34 and / or the second tab 35 face the second side 702 of the corresponding spacer 7.

[0115] With two tabs 34 and 35 provided, each tab 34 and 35 faces a different spacer 7.

[0116] The fifth wall 341 and / or the seventh wall 351 face the second side 702 of the corresponding spacer 7.

[0117] Preferably, the third segment L3 is of a length comparable to the first side portion 701 of the spacer 7, i.e., comparable to the typical length of a commercially known spacer.

[0118] In this way, the insulating glass unit 10 can be manufactured using traditional sealing processes.

[0119] The insulating glass unit 10 also includes another sealant layer 12. This other sealant layer 12 may optionally have different properties than the sealant layer 4 that contacts the first wall 301 and the second wall 302. For example... Figures 4-7 As can be seen, another sealant layer 12 of this type is arranged between panels 5 and 6, spacer 7 and photovoltaic module 1.

[0120] If one or more of tabs 34 and 35 are provided, the sixth wall 342 and / or the eighth wall 352 face the other sealant layer 12.

[0121] According to the third embodiment of the photovoltaic module 1, the configuration of the other sealant layer 12 in the insulating glass unit 10 differs from that in the first and second embodiments, such as... Figures 4-7 As can be seen in the image. In fact, according to the first and second embodiments of photovoltaic module 1, photovoltaic module 1 preferably protrudes relative to spacer 7 and sealant layer 4.

[0122] Alternatively, according to the third embodiment, the photovoltaic module 1 is aligned with the spacer 7.

[0123] Preferably, the insulating glass unit 10 includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules 1. The photovoltaic modules 1 can be connected in series, in parallel, or in a connected combination. In particular, the photovoltaic modules 1 can be arranged on only one side of the periphery of the insulating glass unit 10, or on two or more sides of the periphery of the insulating glass unit 10. The support member 3 and the photovoltaic units 2 can be different on each side; for example, they can have different sizes.

[0124] In such cases, the insulating glass unit 10 includes a plurality of support members 3 adjacent to each other.

[0125] The support 3 is customized according to the size and shape of the insulating glass unit 10 to be manufactured.

[0126] For example, one or more support members 3 can be cut at 45 degrees to form a frame that surrounds the entire outline of panels 5, 6, for example in the case of rectangular or square insulated glass unit 10.

[0127] Support 3 can be cut at any angle except 45 degrees.

[0128] In some embodiments, some photovoltaic units 2 arranged at the corners of a frame made using support members 3 may be applied to contact with two adjacent support members 3.

[0129] Finally, a part of the present invention is also the process for manufacturing the hollow glass unit 10 including the photovoltaic module 1 described above.

[0130] According to the present invention, the process for manufacturing the insulating glass unit 10 includes the following steps. The order in which the different steps are performed may differ from the order described below.

[0131] The process includes the first step of manufacturing spacer 7.

[0132] According to the first embodiment, the spacer 7 can be of the conventional type, i.e., made by cutting and bending a rod to a specific shape. According to the second embodiment, the spacer 7 can be of the extrusion type, which sits directly on a panel (e.g., a glass panel) that is at least partially transparent.

[0133] The process includes a subsequent step of applying a sealant layer 4 to the spacer 7.

[0134] The process includes the step of providing a first panel 5 that is at least partially transparent.

[0135] In particular, in the case of a conventional type of spacer 7, after the step of applying a sealant layer 4 to the spacer 7, the process includes the step of applying the spacer 7 with sealant 4 to the first panel 5.

[0136] Alternatively, in the case where the spacer 7 is directly extruded onto the first panel 5, the step of applying the spacer 7 with sealant 4 to the first panel 5 is not provided. In fact, according to the second embodiment, the spacer 7 is arranged on the first panel 5 during manufacturing, and then a sealant is applied to the spacer 7, as previously mentioned.

[0137] Alternatively, the spacer 7 already applied to the first panel 5 can be applied to the photovoltaic module 1.

[0138] The process includes the step of providing the photovoltaic module 1 as described above.

[0139] The process includes the step of applying a sealant 4 to the photovoltaic module 1. Specifically, the sealant 4 is applied at least on the second wall 302 to connect the photovoltaic module 1 to the first panel 5.

[0140] According to the first embodiment, after the step of applying the spacer 7 with sealant 4 to the first panel 5, the process includes the step of applying the photovoltaic module 1 to the first panel 5 on which the spacer 7 with sealant 4 is disposed.

[0141] According to the second embodiment, after the step of applying the sealant layer 4 to the spacer 7, the process includes the step of applying the photovoltaic module 1 to the first panel 5 on which the spacer 7 with the sealant 4 is disposed.

[0142] After connecting the photovoltaic module 1 and the spacer 7 together, the photovoltaic module 1 can be applied to the first panel 5 first, and then applied to the spacer 7, and vice versa, by connecting the photovoltaic module 1 and the spacer 7 to the first panel 5.

[0143] In any case, the method includes the step of applying spacer 7 to photovoltaic module 1, thereby securing photovoltaic module 1 directly to spacer 7 by sealant 4.

[0144] For all embodiments, after the step of applying the photovoltaic module, the process includes the step of applying a second panel 6 that is at least partially transparent to the first panel 5.

[0145] After the step of applying the second panel 6, the process includes the step of pressing the panels 5 and 6 to keep them connected.

[0146] Advantageously, the photovoltaic module 1 can be inserted into the manufacturing process of the insulating glass unit without the need for a specific system.

[0147] Preferably, when the insulating glass unit 10 includes a single spacer 7, the process includes applying a sealant layer 4 to the photovoltaic module 1 before applying the photovoltaic module 1 to the first panel 5. Specifically, the photovoltaic module 1 is applied to the first panel 5, wherein at least one sealant layer 4 (preferably two sealant layers) has been applied to the respective walls between the first wall 301 and the second wall 302.

[0148] In practice, compared to the standard procedure for manufacturing the insulating glass unit 10, this process provides the steps of applying a sealant layer 4 to the photovoltaic module 1 and applying the photovoltaic module 1 to the first panel 5.

[0149] However, due to the present invention, such steps can be performed using the same techniques and machines commonly used in the manufacture of insulating glass units. This is due to the geometry of the photovoltaic module 1 according to the present invention. In particular, the presence of the first wall 301 and the second wall 302, which are parallel to each other, allows the use of a butyl sealant commonly used in the process of constructing the insulating glass unit 10. Such a butyl sealant is provided with two nozzles positioned at the front of each other to inject the butyl onto the two sides of the spacer 7, or, as described herein, onto the two sides of the photovoltaic module 1, as... Figure 1b It is symbolically represented in the middle.

[0150] According to an embodiment including two spacers 7, the process preferably includes applying a sealant layer 4 to the first spacer 7 before applying the photovoltaic module 1 to the first panel 5.

[0151] This type of process is preferably applied to conventional type spacers 7.

[0152] The process also includes the step of applying a sealant layer to the second spacer 7, and then applying the second spacer to the photovoltaic module 1.

[0153] Advantageously, the photovoltaic module 1 can be inserted into the insulating glass unit 10 without applying the sealant 4 directly to it, since it is applied to the two spacers 7.

[0154] Advantageously, such processes are even easier to integrate into the manufacturing process of the insulating glass unit 10. Similarly, in this case, with two spacers 7 provided, butyl sealant commonly used in the process of constructing the insulating glass unit 10 can be employed.

[0155] Some advantages of the present invention are listed below.

[0156] Photovoltaic modules can be inserted into standard manufacturing processes used to produce insulating glass units.

[0157] The photovoltaic module is fixed in the insulating glass unit through a pressing process, which is already used in the production of traditional insulating glass units.

[0158] Advantageously, no other system is needed for attaching the photovoltaic module to the insulating glass unit.

[0159] Due to its geometry, the described photovoltaic module can be applied to any type of insulated glass unit, particularly without being limited by its shape and size, and is compatible with any type of spacer, glass, or sealant.

[0160] Advantageously, the process according to the invention can be implemented by any glass manufacturer at low cost.

[0161] Advantageously, there are no restrictions on the size of the available insulated glass units.

[0162] Because of this invention, hollow glass units with any polygonal shape can also be manufactured by appropriately cutting the support member 3.

[0163] The present invention has been described for illustrative and non-limiting purposes with reference to its preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that any variations and / or modifications that are obvious to those skilled in the art should be considered to be included within the scope of protection of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hollow glass unit (10), comprising: - A first panel that is at least partially transparent (5); - A second panel that is at least partially transparent (6); - Only one spacer (7) is located between the panels (5, 6), each spacer (7) having a first side (701) and a third side (703) opposite to the first side (701), each spacer facing the corresponding panel (5, 6) between the first side (701) and the third side (703); the spacer (7) has a second side (702) and a fourth side (704), the second side and the fourth side being opposite to each other and perpendicular to the first side (701); - Photovoltaic module (1), comprising: - A photovoltaic unit (2) extending in a main extension plane (20) defined by a first direction (X) and a second direction (Y) transverse to the first direction (X); - A support member (3) connected to the photovoltaic unit (200); the support member (3) has at least a first wall (301) and a second wall (302) facing opposite portions, the first wall (301) and the second wall (302) being substantially planar and substantially parallel to the extension plane (20). - A sealant (4, 12) is disposed at least between the first side (701) and the photovoltaic module (1); the first wall (301) and the second wall (302) of the photovoltaic module (1) are at least partially in contact with the sealant layer (4).

2. The hollow glass unit (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The photovoltaic unit (2) extends a first segment (L1) along the second direction (Y) in length; the first wall (301) extends a second segment (L2) along a direction parallel to the second direction (Y) in length, the second segment being larger than the first segment (L1); the second wall (302) extends a third segment (L3) along a direction parallel to the second direction (Y) in length, the third segment being no higher than the second segment (L2).

3. The hollow glass unit (10) of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The support member (3) includes a first portion (31) and a second portion (32) that extends over the first portion (31), the second portion (32) having a third wall (303); the third wall (303) is substantially parallel to the first wall (301) and the second wall (302); the second portion (32) together with the first portion (31) defines a seat (33) for the photovoltaic unit (2).

4. The hollow glass unit (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein The second wall (302) is located in the first part (31).

5. The hollow glass unit (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The support member (3) includes a first tab (34) located at the first portion (31) and extending perpendicularly to the first wall (301).

6. The hollow glass unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims includes a cable or is connectable to a cable, the cable being adapted to transmit the current generated by the photovoltaic unit (2) from the hollow glass unit (10) itself.

7. The insulating glass unit (10) according to the preceding claim includes a cable connected to an energy storage system, the energy storage system being connected to an electronic or electrical device or system.

8. The insulating glass unit (10) according to claim 6 includes a cable that is directly connected to an electronic or electrical device or system.

9. A process for manufacturing an insulating glass unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the process comprising the following steps: - Manufacturing spacers (7); - Apply a sealant layer (4) to the spacer (7); - Provide a first panel that is at least partially transparent (5); - Provide photovoltaic modules (1); - Apply the sealant (4) to the photovoltaic module (1); - Apply the photovoltaic module (1) to the first panel (5); - Apply the spacer (7) to the photovoltaic module (1) and use the sealant (4) to directly fix the photovoltaic module (1) to the spacer (7). - Apply a second panel (6) that is at least partially transparent to the first panel (5); - Press down the panels (5, 6) to keep them connected.

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