Dynamic Polymeric Encapsulant for Repairable Photovoltaic Panels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current photovoltaic panel encapsulants, primarily based on crosslinked ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), hinder efficient recycling and dismantling due to irreversible crosslinking, leading to high environmental impact and economic costs, while alternative thermoplastic systems compromise on mechanical and thermal stability.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic module encapsulant comprising a polyolefin with dynamic and/or reversible covalent bonds, allowing easy separation and reassembly, using a polyolefin of formula (I) with a disiloxane group as a crosslinker, maintaining properties similar to EVA while enabling recyclability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If crosslinked EVA encapsulant is used, then mechanical and thermal stability is improved, but ease of recycling and dismantling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic covalent chemistry to create encapsulants with reversible crosslinks that can dynamically reorganize under external stimuli. The crosslinked network can be reversibly broken and reformed, allowing the material to transition between a stable crosslinked state during operation and a processable uncrosslinked state during recycling, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and recyclability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical state parameter of the crosslinks from permanent to reversible. By using dynamic covalent bonds that can break and reform under specific conditions (temperature, catalyst), the encapsulant's properties can be dynamically adjusted: stable under normal conditions but easily processable when subjected to recycling conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between mechanical stability and ease of dismantling
2Ease of repair
If thermoplastic encapsulant is used, then ease of recycling is improved, but mechanical and thermal stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic material that can switch between thermoplastic-like processability and crosslinked stability. During recycling, the reversible crosslinks break allowing thermoplastic processing; during service, the crosslinks reform providing enhanced mechanical and thermal stability, thus resolving the contradiction between recyclability and performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite chemical structure combining features of both thermoplastics and crosslinked networks. The dynamic covalent bonds create a hybrid state where the material exhibits thermoplastic processability when needed but maintains crosslinked stability during operation, effectively combining the advantages of both material types to resolve the contradiction
3Reliability
If irreversible crosslinking is used, then adhesion and dimensional stability are improved, but recyclability and environmental impact deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the reversibility parameter of the crosslinks, making them conditional rather than permanent. The crosslinks remain stable under service conditions providing adhesion and dimensional stability, but can be reversibly broken under recycling conditions using catalysts or temperature, allowing material recovery and reducing environmental impact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the recovery of encapsulant materials through reversible crosslink breaking. Instead of permanent disposal via grinding and pyrolysis, the dynamic crosslinks allow the encapsulant to be separated and recovered in near-original form, significantly reducing environmental impact while maintaining adhesion and dimensional stability during the panel's service life
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 encapsulant extends the lifespan of solar panels by facilitating relamination and simplifies the separation of components, reducing environmental impact and production costs through reversible crosslinking technology.
Implementation Method 1
A photovoltaic module encapsulant comprising a polyolefin with dynamic and/or reversible covalent bonds, allowing easy separation and reassembly, using a polyolefin of formula (I) with a disiloxane group as a crosslinker
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a photovoltaic module encapsulant, characterized in that it comprises, - a polyolefin of formula (I), and - a disiloxane group, in particular a dialkylsiloxane group chosen from dimethylsiloxane and diethylsiloxane, and/or the polydialkylsiloxane of formula (II) as crosslinker; the polyolefin representing from 78 to 99.75% by mass, the crosslinker from 0.25 to 22% by mass relative to the total mass of the composition of the encapsulant. The invention relates to the use of such an encapsulant in a photovoltaic module.