Flexible PV Panel Mounting With Air Gap for Stretched Canvas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible photovoltaic panel mounting systems on stretched fabrics or films face issues with rigidity, tensile force transmission leading to cell breakage, significant heat transfer by conduction, lack of thermal expansion compensation, and complex setup times due to full-surface bonding and absence of air gaps.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system with an intermediate coated textile sheet and adhesive layer, securing the photovoltaic panel at an inactive zone and maintaining an air gap under the active zone to absorb tensile forces and reduce heat conduction, while allowing for thermal expansion and easier installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the flexible photovoltaic panel is hot laminated with the fabric, then the assembly has great rigidity, but all tensile forces are transmitted to the photovoltaic panel causing cell breakage
Solution Approach 1:
A decoupling layer is introduced between the stretched fabric and the flexible photovoltaic panel. This intermediary layer absorbs tensile forces through its elastic properties while maintaining thermal contact, preventing force transmission to the photovoltaic cells while preserving heat transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal contact impedance of the decoupling layer is optimized to achieve a specific thermal conductance range (0.5-5 W/m²K). By controlling the layer's thickness and material properties, the system maintains sufficient thermal contact while providing mechanical decoupling.
2Strength
If the photovoltaic panel is glued over its entire surface with a coated textile sheet, then the panel is secured to the support, but heat transfer by conduction is very significant at the active zone
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding interface is segmented into two distinct zones: an active zone with air gap for thermal isolation and an inactive zone with adhesive bonding for mechanical attachment. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of secure mounting and reduced heat conduction to the photovoltaic cells.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the photovoltaic panel are treated differently: the active zone (where photovoltaic cells are located) is isolated from direct contact with the coated textile, while the inactive zone (borders and margins) maintains adhesive bonding. This local differentiation optimizes both thermal and mechanical performance.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the photovoltaic panel is glued over its entire surface to a reinforcing sheet, then dimensional variations are compensated, but the assembly is complex and requires long set-up time
Solution Approach 1:
The complex multi-step assembly process with multiple fixing sheets and connection elements is replaced by a single integrated decoupling layer with pre-defined bonding zones. This extraction of complexity reduces the mounting process to applying one layer with specific bonding characteristics, dramatically reducing set-up time.
Solution Approach 2:
The decoupling layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical bonding at the inactive zones, thermal isolation at the active zone, tensile force absorption, and dimensional stability compensation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function.
4Strength
If the photovoltaic cells are embedded in a sheet of polymeric resin, then the intermediate element is made on a stretched canvas structure, but tensile forces are not effectively absorbed and heat transfer by conduction remains high
Solution Approach 1:
The decoupling layer acts as an intermediary between the stretched canvas structure and the flexible photovoltaic panel. It provides the necessary mechanical coupling for structural integrity while simultaneously providing thermal isolation to reduce heat conduction to the photovoltaic cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The decoupling layer is a composite structure combining adhesive materials for bonding with low thermal conductivity materials for thermal isolation. This composite construction achieves both mechanical strength for force absorption and thermal properties for heat reduction.
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 system effectively absorbs tensile forces, reduces thermal conduction, compensates for thermal expansion, and simplifies the installation process by using a coated textile ply with a pressure-sensitive or permanent adhesive, ensuring the flexible photovoltaic panel's integrity and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an air gap arranged between an active zone of the flexible photovoltaic panel and the coated textile web
Implementation Method 2
a layer of adhesive intended to allow a joining of the textile ply with said front side of the stretched fabric
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
System for mounting a flexible photovoltaic panel (3) on a stretched canvas, said flexible photovoltaic panel (3) being intended to at least partially cover a right side of said stretched canvas, said mounting system comprising an interleaving element comprising: . a textile layer (2) coated on both sides and; . a layer of adhesive intended to allow the coated textile layer (2) to be secured to the right side of the stretched canvas; said mounting system being characterized in that said flexible photovoltaic panel (3) is secured to said interleaving element in an inactive zone (13) of the flexible photovoltaic panel (3), and in that said mounting system comprises an air gap (12) arranged between an active zone (23) of the flexible photovoltaic panel (3) and said coated textile layer (2).