Method for applying a solar cell lamination onto a flat element which is curved once or multiple times

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for applying a solar cell lamination (1) onto a flat element (2) that is curved once or multiple times, having the following steps: a) providing the flat element (2); b) applying multiple layer components (3, 4, 5), which are designed to form the solar cell lamination (1), onto a surface (8) of the flat element (2); c) applying a heat distribution pad (9), which has a form-flexible state, onto the flat element (2) from an upper face (10) equipped with the layer components (3, 4, 5) or a flat element (2) lower face (11) facing away from the upper face (10); and d) laminating the layer components (3, 4, 5) onto the flat element (2), wherein pressure is first applied to a granular filler (12) of the heat distribution pad (9) such that the heat distribution pad (9) assumes and maintains a surface shape (13) that is designed to complement the flat element (2) upper face (10) or lower face (11) applied onto the heat distribution pad. Thermal energy which produces a bonded connection between the layer components (3, 4, 5) and the flat element (2) is then transferred to the layer components (3, 4, 5) and the flat element (2) by means of the heat distribution pad (9). The invention additionally relates to a laminating system (22).

Description

[0001] Method for applying a solar cell lamination to a single or multiply curved surface element

[0002] The invention relates to a method for applying a solar cell lamination to a singly or multiply curved surface element, such as a cladding component of a movable or stationary object, such as a body panel of a motor vehicle (hood, ceiling segment, or trunk lid) or a facade / roof panel of a structure or building. The invention also relates to a lamination system for carrying out this method.

[0003] Fig. 15 shows a lamination system 22' known from the prior art. This generally shows that in known standard lamination processes, the air is first pumped out of the corresponding module layers S in a vacuum chamber, after which these module layers S are heated to melt the encapsulation material. The layers S are pressed together with a flexible membrane M in order to embed solar cells in the encapsulation material and to bond the front and back films. A heating plate H ensures the appropriate heat supply during this lamination process. However, it has proven disadvantageous in these known systems and processes that larger curved components, i.e. components with a three-dimensional extension, cannot be processed. This is due in particular to the fact that in the lamination system 22' the distance from the heating plate H to the membrane M is limited.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to efficiently carry out solar cell lamination even on larger and curved components.

[0005] This is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of claim 1. Claim 1 claims a method for applying a solar cell lamination to a singly or multiply curved surface element, which method comprises the following steps: a) providing the surface element; b) placing a plurality of layer components designed to form the solar cell lamination, preferably comprising at least one solar cell and at least one laminate film, on a surface of the surface element; c) placing a heat distribution cushion having a flexible state on the surface element from an upper side covered with the layer components or an underside of the surface element facing away from the upper side;and d) laminating the layer components onto the surface element, wherein firstly a granular filler of the heat distribution cushion is subjected to an (internal or external) pressure, preferably a negative pressure, such that the heat distribution cushion assumes a surface shape complementary to the upper or lower side of the surface element adjacent to it and retains this surface shape (stable, i.e. resistant to the acting force of gravity), and subsequently a thermal energy causing a material bond between the layer components and the surface element is transferred to the layer components and the surface element by means of the heat distribution cushion.

[0006] This enables an efficient process for laminating solar cells / photovoltaic arrays onto existing surface elements. The heat distribution pad ensures the most even heat transfer possible to the surface element or the layer components. As a result, the layer components and the surface element are heated as evenly as possible and bonded / bonded together. This also increases the fatigue strength of the resulting solar cell lamination.

[0007] Further advantageous embodiments are claimed in the dependent claims and explained in more detail below. Accordingly, it is further advantageous if the heat distribution cushion has a casing that completely, preferably airtightly, accommodates / surrounds the filler. This makes the heat distribution cushion as easy to handle as possible.

[0008] If the sleeve has at least one vacuum film (also referred to as air-impermeable plastic film) or, more preferably, the sleeve is even (completely) made of this at least one vacuum film, the sleeve can be easily manufactured using common film materials.

[0009] To facilitate easy adaptability of the size of the envelope / heat distribution pad, it is also advantageous if the envelope further comprises a vacuum sealing tape that seals the edges of the at least one vacuum film. The vacuum sealing tape is thus preferably glued around the edges of the vacuum film in such a way that the interior of the envelope is hermetically sealed from the environment.

[0010] Alternatively, or in addition to the vacuum film, it is advantageous if the cover has at least one textile layer. It has been shown that the cover can be applied over large areas, even to complex curved surfaces.

[0011] In this regard, it is also advantageous if the textile layer consists of or contains a natural fiber. Regarding the natural fiber composition, it is also advantageous if the textile layer consists of linen / linen fabric. Linen has very good heat resistance, especially at a preferred lamination temperature of over 150°C. Due to its soft structure, linen can be easily formed into the desired shape. Furthermore, linen is a renewable raw material and therefore very good from an ecological perspective.

[0012] It is also advantageous if the textile layer (alternatively or in addition to the natural fiber) consists of or comprises a chemical fiber. In this regard, it has proven advantageous if the chemical fiber consists of synthetic polymers, preferably polyester and / or aramid, and / or inorganic fibers, preferably glass fiber and / or metal fiber. These materials also give the textile layer a high degree of flexibility, allowing the heat distribution pad to be shaped into the desired form.

[0013] Even when using the textile layer, it is advantageous for the cover / heat distribution cushion to have a vacuum sealing tape that seals the edges of the at least one textile layer to facilitate easy adaptability of the size. The vacuum sealing tape is thus preferably glued around the edges of the at least one textile layer in such a way that the interior of the cover is hermetically sealed from the environment.

[0014] It has proven particularly suitable for the lamination process if the filler comprises a granulate containing a light metal, a copper / copper material, and / or a silver / silver material, or is formed entirely by these granules. This granulate is particularly suitable for providing easy-to-handle and frequently reusable heat distribution pads.

[0015] It is also advantageous if the light metal is aluminum or an aluminum alloy. This ensures more effective heat distribution.

[0016] Accordingly, it is advantageous for the granulate to have a thermal conductivity of at least 200 W / mK, preferably at least 220 W / mK, and more preferably more than 360 W / mK (220 W / mK for aluminum; 380 W / mK for copper; 429 W / mK for silver). The higher the thermal conductivity, the better the heat flow. Silver thus has the best thermal conductivity of the materials mentioned, followed by copper and aluminum. This means that the higher the thermal conductivity, the better the heat conduction.

[0017] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the granulate has a maximum heat capacity of 900 J / kgK, preferably a maximum of 400 J / kgK, and more preferably a maximum of 240 J / kgK (for silver 234 J / kgK; for copper 385 J / kgK; for aluminum 896 J / kgK). The greater the heat capacity, the more energy must be introduced into the material / granulate to achieve the desired temperature change. Aluminum therefore requires a relatively high amount of energy, whereas silver and copper require significantly less. This means that the lower the heat capacity, the less energy is required.

[0018] Thus, the heat distribution cushion can be changed / adjusted between an atmospheric pressure state, in which its shape is flexibly adaptable, and a pressure state, preferably a vacuum state, in which individual grains of the granulate adhere to one another in such a way that the heat distribution cushion forms a dimensionally stable overall structure. This allows the heat distribution cushion to be used as flexibly as possible, even in multiple, repeatable manufacturing steps.

[0019] It is also advantageous if the filler has granules with a (mean) grain diameter / a (mean) grain size between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm.

[0020] Furthermore, it is advantageous if, during the lamination of the layer components onto the surface element, the entire assembly of layer components, surface element, and heat distribution pad is exposed to a vacuum atmosphere, which is more preferably realized using a vacuum bag. This allows the process to be implemented using the simplest possible means.

[0021] It has also proven advantageous if the heat distribution cushion is equipped with its own air extraction means, by means of which the pressure within the heat distribution cushion can be controlled independently of the vacuum atmosphere surrounding the arrangement of layer components, surface element, and heat distribution cushion. In other words, the heat distribution cushion preferably has its own air extraction means, which is preferably provided in addition to another air extraction means that controls the pressure of the vacuum atmosphere surrounding the arrangement of layer components, surface element, and heat distribution cushion. This enables flexible control of the heat distribution cushion.

[0022] For effective heat input, it is furthermore expedient if, in step d), a heating element which emits heat energy to the heat distribution cushion, such as a heating plate / heating mat, is placed on a side of the heat distribution cushion facing away from the surface element.

[0023] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for applying a solar cell lamination to a singly or multiply curved surface element, comprising the following steps: a) providing the surface element; b) placing a plurality of layer components designed to form the solar cell lamination, preferably comprising at least one solar cell and at least one laminate film, on a surface of the surface element; c) placing a heat distribution cushion filled with a granular filler on the surface element from an upper side covered with the layer components or an underside of the surface element facing away from the upper side, wherein the heat distribution cushion is subjected to a negative pressure before being placed on the upper side or underside such that it already has a surface shape complementary to the upper side or underside of the surface element with which it is to be brought into contact;and d) laminating the layer components onto the surface element, wherein heat energy causing a material bond between the layer components and the surface element is transferred to the layer components and the surface element by means of the heat distribution cushion;

[0024] The invention also relates to a lamination system for carrying out a method according to one of the previously explained embodiments, comprising a vacuum chamber, a heating element arranged in the vacuum chamber and a heat distribution cushion which in turn is adjacent to the heating element and is also arranged in the vacuum chamber, which heat distribution cushion can be switched between a dimensionally flexible state and a dimensionally stable state depending on an internal pressure applied to it.

[0025] The invention will now be explained in more detail below with reference to figures.

[0026] They show:

[0027] Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a lamination system for applying a solar cell lamination to a surface element according to a method according to the invention, wherein a heat distribution cushion used for heat transfer can be clearly seen in section,

[0028] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the heat distribution cushion used in Fig. 1,

[0029] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a surface element to be equipped with solar cell lamination in the method according to the invention,

[0030] Fig. 4 a perspective view of the surface element with laminate film and solar cells placed on it,

[0031] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the surface element, similar to Fig. 4, with another laminate film placed on the solar cells,

[0032] Fig. 6 a perspective view of the surface element with the solar cell lamination applied,

[0033] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of two heat distribution cushions preferably used side by side in a flexible state,

[0034] Fig. 8 is a plan view of the heat distribution cushions of Fig. 7 in a dimensionally stable state,

[0035] Fig. 9 shows a schematic sequence of the method according to the invention using a flow chart, Figs. 10 to 14 show representations of further surface elements which can also be processed by means of the method according to the invention as an alternative to the body component of a motor vehicle in Fig. 3 designed as a hood, wherein Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of a corrugated trapezoidal sheet, Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of a corrugated sinusoidal sheet, Fig. 12 shows a side view of a housing of a street lighting, Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of a roof segment of a winter garden and Fig. 14 shows a perspective view of a facade panel of a building, as well as

[0036] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a lamination system constructed according to the prior art,

[0037] The figures are merely schematic in nature and therefore serve solely to clarify the invention. The same elements are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0038] Fig. 1 initially shows a lamination system 22 used according to the invention, by means of which the method according to the invention, described in more detail below, can be carried out. The lamination system 22 has a vacuum chamber 23 which has an air extraction system 24. The air extraction system 24 is connected in the usual way to a vacuum pump (in the direction of the arrow shown) which is not shown here for the sake of clarity. The vacuum chamber 23 has, for example, a base plate 25 and a flexible vacuum bag 19 which is adjustable / collapsible in terms of its volume. The lamination method described in more detail below is carried out with the aid of the vacuum chamber 23.

[0039] According to Fig. 1, a surface element 2 to be processed / laminated by the method according to the invention has already been inserted within the vacuum chamber 23. This surface element 2 is thus provided with a solar cell lamination 1 by means of the method according to the invention. The surface element 2 always has a three-dimensional extension and is thus at least monoaxially / uniaxially, but preferably multiaxially / multiaxially curved / bent.

[0040] The surface element 2, as illustrated in the further Figs. 3 to 6, is designed as part of the hood of a motor vehicle in the embodiment shown. In this context, however, it should be noted that the surface element 2 can also be designed in any other way to implement a corresponding cladding / covering facing the sun of a movable or stationary object. Accordingly, instead of the hood, any other body component, such as a trunk lid or vehicle roof, can also be designed as the surface element 2. Further preferred embodiments mentioned in connection with Figs. 10 to 14 include, for example, various facade parts / facade cladding of a structure, such as a construction or a building, and a cover / housing part of a street lighting system. In Fig.10, the surface element 2 is designed as a trapezoidal sheet for a facade / facade part or a roof / roof part of a building or a structural installation, such as a carport or a conservatory, and is shown from its upper side 10. However, the surface element 2 can alternatively also have any other three-dimensional shape / extension, such as that of a sinusoidal sheet according to Fig. 11 . In Fig. 13, the surface element 2 is designed as a transparent segment of a roof / roof segment of a conservatory. In Fig. 14, the surface element 2 is implemented as a facade panel for a building. Fig. 12 also shows street lighting, wherein the surface element 2 is then implemented as the upwardly oriented housing part of the street lighting. The objective list of the various areas of application of the surface element 2 is of course not exhaustive and can be expanded as desired.In particular, reference is also made to a housing part of a traffic control system, which can also form the surface element 2. Furthermore, a heat distribution pad 9 designed according to the invention is used in the lamination system 22, the mode of operation of which is described in more detail below. The heat distribution pad 9 is located in Fig. 1 directly on an underside 11 of the surface element 2 in the system. The heat distribution pad 9 is clearly visible in Fig. 2 when viewed alone.

[0041] The heat distribution cushion 9 has the structure illustrated in Figs. 2, 7 and 8. The heat distribution cushion 9 has, on the one hand, an airtight casing 14. The casing 14 has an (airtight) vacuum film 15. The vacuum film 15 is preferably a film that is stable at least up to 190°C. The vacuum film 15 is hermetically sealed / sealed at its edges 16 with a vacuum sealing tape 17. The vacuum sealing tape 17 is also preferably stable at least up to 190°C. It should be noted that in further preferred embodiments, the casing 14 alternatively has a (then preferably air-permeable) textile layer, which is indicated in the figures by the reference numeral 26. According to further preferred embodiments, it is also conceivable to form the casing 14 from a combination of vacuum film 15 and textile layer 26.The textile layer 26 is then preferably made of linen, although alternatively other fibers (woven or knitted fibers), such as polymer, aramid, metal or glass fibers, have proven to be particularly suitable.

[0042] Furthermore, the heat distribution cushion 9 has a filler 12 accommodated in the casing 14, which consists of granules 18. In a preferred embodiment, the granules 18 are formed from an aluminum material, preferably an aluminum alloy. Furthermore, the granules preferably have a grain size between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm. Furthermore, the individual grains / particles of the granules 18 are preferably substantially spherical or elliptical in shape. In this regard, other materials, such as copper or silver, can also be used as the granules 18 as an alternative or in addition to the aluminum material.

[0043] In addition, the lamination system 22 has a heating element 21, which is also arranged within the vacuum chamber 23. The heating element 21 is realized in Fig. 1 in the form of a heating mat or heating plate. During the lamination / application of the solar cell lamination 1, the heating element 21 transfers heat to the heat distribution pad 9 and from this heat distribution pad 9 further to the surface element 2 and the layer components 3, 4, 5 to be applied thereon.

[0044] In Fig. 1, the lamination process has already progressed so far that the layer components 3, 4, 5 are integrally connected to one another and to the surface element 2, forming the finished solar cell lamination 1, so that the illustration of the individual layer components 3, 4, 5 has been omitted for the sake of clarity.

[0045] Finally, in conjunction with Figs. 3 to 9, reference should be made to the method according to the invention. The method according to a first embodiment serves, in particular, to apply a solar cell lamination 1 to the already completely manufactured / formed surface element 2. In a first step a) of the method, the surface element 2 is therefore prepared, ie, in particular, positioned in the lamination system 22.

[0046] 4 and 5, a plurality of layer components 3, 4, 5 designed to form the solar cell lamination 1 are placed onto the surface element 2, i.e. a curved surface 8 of the surface element 2. The layer components 3, 4, 5 are placed directly onto an upper side 10 of the surface element 2, i.e. a side of the surface element 2 facing the sun in the later area of ​​use. More specifically, a laminate film 7 is first placed onto the upper side 10 as a first layer component 3. Subsequently, a plurality of solar cells 6, which form a second layer component 4, are placed onto the surface element 2 with the first layer component 3. The solar cells 6 are arranged such that they cover as large a proportion of the surface area of ​​the surface element 2 as possible.Following the second layer component 4, a third layer component 5 is placed on the surface element 2 with the first layer component 3 and the second layer component 4. The third.

[0047] Layer component 5 is again implemented here as a laminate film 7.

[0048] It can also be seen that both laminate films 7 extend beyond the edges of the solar cells 6, so that the solar cell lamination 1 is stable in the fully cured state. The arrangement of surface element 2 and layer components 3, 4, 5 shown in Fig. 5 corresponds to the simplified representation of surface element 2 in Fig. 1.

[0049] Subsequently, in a method step c), the flexible heat distribution pad 9 is placed on the surface element 2. The heat distribution pad 9 is preferably placed on an underside 11, i.e., a side facing away from the top side 10, of the surface element 2. However, according to further preferred embodiments, it is also possible in principle to place the heat distribution pad 9 on the top side 10, i.e., on the entirety of layer components 3, 4, 5 and surface element 2 to the top side 10 of the surface element 2.

[0050] Fig. 7 shows that, more preferably, several (here two) heat distribution pads 9 are used next to one another in the process. In Figs. 2 and 7, the heat distribution pads 9 (within the casing 14) are at atmospheric pressure / ambient pressure and thus assume the shape-flexible state. In the shape-flexible state, according to a further step c) of the process, the heat distribution pad 9 is applied to the underside 11 of the surface element 2. The heat distribution pad 9 is pressed / applied to the underside 11 in such a way that it rests against the underside 11 over a large area.

[0051] In a further step d), the vacuum chamber 23 is then closed, and the layer components 3, 4, 5 are laminated onto the surface element 2. A negative pressure / vacuum is generated in the vacuum chamber 23 via the air extraction system 24 by means of the vacuum pump. At the same time, it is expedient (particularly when the casing 14 is formed from vacuum film 15) for the heat distribution cushion 9 to also have its own air extraction means 20, which in particular comprise a corresponding valve for air extraction. This allows air to be extracted directly from the heat distribution cushion 9 via the air extraction system 24, whereby, at the same time as the negative pressure in the vacuum chamber 23, a negative pressure / vacuum is generated within the respective heat distribution cushion 9. It should be noted that the term "vacuum" used herein refers to a technically feasible negative pressure compared to the ambient atmospheric pressure, which is optimally 0 bar.However, if the cover 14 is formed exclusively from the textile layer 26, a separate air extraction means 20 on / in the heat distribution cushion 9 is not necessary, since the cover 14 is then permeable to air anyway.

[0052] According to further embodiments of the invention (particularly when the casing 14 is formed from vacuum film 15), it is also possible to provide separate air extraction systems / air extraction devices for the heat distribution cushion(s) 9. These additional air extraction devices can, for example, comprise a separate hose that also leads to the environment via the air extraction system 24.

[0053] In step d), the heating element 21 is also heated, which transfers the heat directly to the heat distribution pad(s) 9. The respective heat distribution pad 9 then distributes the heat evenly over the surface of the surface element 2 that is in contact with it. This results in even heating of the surface element 2 and indirectly also of the layer components 3, 4, 5. This ultimately results in a material-to-material bond between the layer components 3, 4, 5 and one another and to the surface element 2. Fig. 6 clearly shows the finished state of the surface element 2 with the finished and cured solar cell lamination 1. The solar cell lamination 1 with the layer components 3, 4, 5 has then adapted to the curved shape of the surface element 2. Fig. 8 shows the heat distribution pads 9 in their dimensionally stable state.In this regard, it should be noted that in a second embodiment of a method according to the invention, the heat distribution pad 9 can also be retained in its dimensionally stable state, i.e., under negative pressure, after removal of the finished laminated surface element 2 or before application of another surface element 2 yet to be laminated. This dimensionally stable heat distribution pad.

[0054] 9 can thus be easily used for laminating several surface elements 2 one after the other in series production. This is particularly possible if the sleeve 14 in turn has / encompasses the vacuum film 15. A particular advantage here is that the heat distribution pad 9, when placed on the surface element 9, has a surface shape 13 that represents the negative shape of the underside 11 of the surface element 2. This makes it easier to align the surface element 2 relative to the heat distribution pad 9. In addition, the vacuum generation process / air extraction process is significantly shortened.

[0055] In the second embodiment, in the third step c), the heat distribution cushion 9 is already placed in its dimensionally stable state on the top side

[0056] 10 or the underside 11 of the surface element 2. Thus, in this step, the heat distribution cushion 9 already has the corresponding complementary shape / surface shape 13 to the underside 11 of the surface element 2.

[0057] During the lamination of the layer components 3, 4, 5 onto the surface element in step d), only the vacuum chamber 23 needs to be evacuated and the heating element 21 heated. Steps a) and b) of the method of the second embodiment correspond to the method of the first embodiment.

[0058] Solar cell lamination surface element first layer component second layer component third layer component solar cell laminate film surface

[0059] Heat distribution cushion top

[0060] bottom

[0061] filler

[0062] Surface shape

[0063] Covering

[0064] Vacuum film

[0065] edge

[0066] Vacuum sealing tape

[0067] granules

[0068] vacuum bag

[0069] Air extraction heating element

[0070] Laminating system vacuum chamber air extraction base plate

[0071] Textile layer

Claims

Claims: A method for applying a solar cell lamination (1) to a simply or multiply curved surface element (2), comprising the following steps: a) providing the surface element (2), b) placing several layer components (3, 4, 5) designed to form the solar cell lamination (1) onto a surface (8) of the surface element (2), c) placing a heat distribution pad (9) having a shape-flexible state onto the surface element (2) from a top surface (10) covered with the layer components (3, 4, 5) or a bottom surface (11) of the surface element (2) facing away from the top surface (10), and d) laminating the layer components (3, 4, 5) onto the surface element (2), wherein a granular filler (12) of the heat distribution pad (9) is first subjected to pressure such thatthat the heat distribution pad (9) assumes and maintains a surface shape (13) complementary to the upper (10) or lower (11) surface of the surface element (2) to which it rests, and subsequently, heat energy causing a material bond between the layer components (3, 4, 5) and the surface element (2) is transferred by means of the heat distribution pad (9) to the layer components (3, 4, 5) and the surface element (2). Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the heat distribution pad (9) has a cover (14) that completely encloses the filler (12). Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the cover (14) has at least one vacuum film (15). A method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the casing (14) further comprises a vacuum sealing strip (17) sealing the at least one vacuum film (15) at its edges (16). A method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the casing (14) comprises at least one textile layer (26). A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the filler (12) comprises granules (18) comprising a light metal, a copper material, and / or a silver material. A method according to claim 6, characterized in that the light metal is aluminum or an aluminum alloy. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the filler (12) comprises granules (18) with a grain diameter between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm.A method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that during the lamination of the layer components (3, 4, 5) onto the surface element (2), the entire arrangement of layer components (3, 4, 5), surface element (2), and heat distribution pad (9) is exposed to a vacuum atmosphere. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the heat distribution pad (9) is equipped with its own air extraction means (20), by means of which the pressure within the heat distribution pad (9) can be controlled independently of the vacuum atmosphere surrounding the arrangement of layer components (3, 4, 5), surface element (2), and heat distribution pad (9). A method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that in step d), a heating element (21) that transfers heat energy to the heat distribution pad (9) is placed on a side of the heat distribution pad (9) facing away from the surface element (2). A method for applying a solar cell lamination (1) to a simply or multiply curved surface element (2), comprising the following steps: a) providing the surface element (2), b) placing several layer components (3, 4, 5) designed to form the solar cell lamination (1) onto a surface (8) of the surface element (2), c) placing a heat distribution pad (9) filled with a granular filler (12) onto the surface element (2) from a top surface (10) covered with the layer components (3, 4, 5) or a bottom surface (11) of the surface element (2) facing away from the top surface (10), wherein the heat distribution pad (9) is subjected to a vacuum before being placed on the top surface (10) or bottom surface (11) such that it already has a surface shape complementary to the top surface (10) or bottom surface (11) of the surface element (2) to be brought into contact with it. (13) exhibitsand d) laminating the layer components (3, 4, 5) onto the surface element (2), wherein heat energy causing a material bond between the layer components (3, 4, 5) and the surface element (2) is transferred to the layer components (3, 4, 5) and the surface element (2) by means of the heat distribution pad (9). Laminating system (22) for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a vacuum chamber (23), a heating element (21) arranged in the vacuum chamber (23), and a heat distribution pad (9) which is in contact with the heating element (21) and is also arranged in the vacuum chamber (23), and which heat distribution pad (9) is switchable between a flexible state and a dimensionally stable state depending on an internal pressure applied to it.

Images