Laminated Thermally Insulating Photovoltaic Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermally insulating photovoltaic modules lack high rigidity, mechanical strength, and resistance to variable atmospheric conditions, and require additional structural support, increasing installation costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A laminated thermally insulating photovoltaic module design featuring chemically strengthened glass panes (0.5-1.8 mm thick) laminated with photovoltaic cells using ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer or vinyl polymer films, combined with a thermally insulating polystyrene-polyurethane foam core and an anodised aluminium inner facing, ensuring high adhesion and mechanical stability, while minimizing panel thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional protective layers and structural materials are used in photovoltaic modules, then mechanical strength and protection are provided, but the module lacks sufficient rigidity and requires additional structural support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure consisting of a rigid skin layer, an insulating core, and a photovoltaic module integrated together. This composite construction provides both mechanical strength and rigidity while eliminating the need for additional structural support elements. The rigid skin is permanently joined to the insulating core, creating a unified structure that combines protective functions with structural integrity.
2Reliability
If thicker glass panes are used to increase mechanical strength, then resistance to atmospheric conditions improves, but panel thickness and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin rigid skin layer that is permanently joined to the insulating core, providing atmospheric resistance without requiring thick glass panes. The rigid skin serves as a protective barrier while maintaining thin overall panel thickness. This approach replaces conventional thick protective glass with a thinner, integrated rigid skin structure that works in conjunction with the insulating core for both protection and structural support.
3Strength
If additional structural support and protective layers are added to photovoltaic modules, then mechanical strength increases, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the rigid skin provides both protection and structural support, the insulating core provides thermal insulation and structural stability, and the photovoltaic module is permanently joined to this composite structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate structural support elements and simplifies installation, reducing both cost and complexity while maintaining high mechanical strength.
4Temperature
If conventional insulating panels with photovoltaic modules are used, then thermal insulation is provided, but the structure lacks high rigidity and mechanical strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure where a rigid skin is permanently joined to an insulating core. The rigid skin provides the necessary mechanical strength and rigidity, while the insulating core provides thermal insulation. This composite construction achieves both thermal insulation performance and high structural rigidity simultaneously, overcoming the limitation of conventional insulating panels that lack sufficient rigidity.
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 design provides enhanced mechanical strength, resistance to atmospheric conditions, and efficient energy conversion with reduced material thickness, allowing for seamless integration into building structures and cost-effective installation, while maintaining aesthetic flexibility and reliable electric operation.
Implementation Method 1
designed to acquire electric power by means of solar radiation conversion
Implementation Method 2
both made of 0.5-1.8 mm thick chemically strengthened glass
Implementation Method 3
laminated together with an array of photovoltaic cells by means of two sheets of encapsulation film
Implementation Method 4
the plate-shaped core of the module is made of springy thermally insulating foam
Implementation Method 5
the inner facing adjacent to the core is made preferably of 0.4-0.6-mm thick anodised aluminium sheet
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The subject of the invention is a laminated thermally insulating photovoltaic module comprising an outer facing which is a photovoltaic panel formed by two glass planes with electrically insulating films adhering to said panes and an array of photovoltaic cells connected to each other electrically and disposed between said films, equipped further with a junction box and photovoltaic conductors. All the components are laminated together by means of said films and form this way a single monolith of the panel to the inner glass pane of which a core made of insulating foam adheres covered with an inner facing. The essence of the invention consists in that photovoltaic panel (1) of the module has a front glass pane (4) and a back glass pane (6) made of 0.5-1.8-mm thick chemically hardened glass. The two glass panes are laminated together with an array of photovoltaic cells by means of sheets of encapsulation films (5 and 7), whereas the plate core (3) of the module is made of springy thermally insulating foam characterised with high adhesion to surfaces of components joined permanently with said core, and inner facing (2) adhering to the core is made preferably of 0.4-0.6 mm thick anodised sheet aluminium.