Bituminous Adhesive Bonding for Lightweight Solar Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional photovoltaic modules are too heavy for certain roofs, and existing adhesives like butyl type glues have inconsistent adhesion on bitumen membranes, making it difficult to efficiently fix lightweight photovoltaic modules on bituminous waterproofing membranes.

Innovation Solution

A bituminous bonding binder comprising 0.1 to 5% organogel additives, such as hydrazide derivatives or sebacic acid, is used to enhance the adhesion and resistance to tearing and takeoff of photovoltaic modules on bituminous waterproofing membranes, with a softening temperature above 80°C and improved creep resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If butyl adhesive is used to bond photovoltaic modules to bitumen membranes, then bonding is achieved, but adhesion is variable and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion consistencyVSAvoidcost and surface preparation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the bitumen adhesive composition by adding specific additives (polymer emulsion and coupling agent) to change its bonding parameters, achieving consistent adhesion to bitumen membranes without requiring surface preparation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a coupling agent as an intermediary substance that mediates the bonding between the bitumen adhesive and the photovoltaic module, ensuring consistent adhesion regardless of bitumen composition variations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If conventional photovoltaic modules are installed, then power generation is achieved, but roof load capacity is exceeded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generationVSAvoidmodule weight
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible thin-film photovoltaic modules that can be laminated directly onto the roof surface, achieving power generation while minimizing weight and structural load requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces heavy mechanical mounting systems with a chemical bonding system using modified bitumen adhesive, eliminating the need for rigid support structures and reducing overall system weight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Weight of moving object

If lightweight photovoltaic modules are used, then roof load requirements are met, but bonding reliability on bitumen membranes is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule weightVSAvoidbonding strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the adhesive parameters by incorporating polymer emulsion and coupling agents into the bitumen formulation, enhancing bonding strength to reliably support even lightweight photovoltaic modules

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite adhesive material combining bitumen with polymer emulsion and coupling agents, achieving superior bonding properties that ensure reliability for lightweight module installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides strong and durable bonding with increased adhesion and resistance to high temperatures, reducing the overall quantity of additives needed and lowering application temperatures, thus reducing costs and energy consumption while maintaining bonding performance.

Implementation Method 1

the bituminous bonding binder comprises from 0.1 to 5% by weight of at least one organo-freezing additive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGel formation: Gel

Implementation Method 2

the establishment of one or more of these interactions will be favoured by the architecture of the organogelator molecules. The establishment of one or more of these interactions includes, in particular, hydrogen bonding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrogen bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

improved resistance to pull-out and peel-off... with improved resistance to pull-out and peel-off... resistance to high temperatures

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal resistance: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP4127066B1Verfahren zum befestigen von solarmodulen mittels bitumenklebers enthaltend eines organischen gelbildners
Publication Date: 2024.11.13 TOTALENERGIES ONETECH
  • EP4127066B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4127066B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present application relates to the use of a bituminous adhesive binder comprising at least one organogelator additive, for attaching photovoltaic modules, in particular lightweight modules.