Long-fiber composite solar module support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar module supports made of metallic materials are heavy and prone to corrosion, making them difficult to install and reducing their service life due to erosion from rain.
Innovation Solution
A long-fiber composite material for solar modules is developed, comprising 35 wt % to 55 wt % plastic masterbatches, 30 wt % to 65 wt % long glass fibers, 0.1 wt % to 1 wt % ultraviolet absorber, and 0.1 wt % to 1 wt % light stabilizer, with a weight ratio of plastic masterbatches to long glass fibers ranging from 90:10 to 35:65, enhancing stiffness and impact resistance while improving anti-corrosion properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metallic materials (aluminum alloy or stainless steel) are used for solar support, then structural strength is ensured, but weight increases and corrosion resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses glass fiber reinforced plastic composite materials to replace traditional metallic materials. The composite structure combines glass fibers (providing strength) with plastic matrix (providing light weight and corrosion resistance), achieving both high strength and low weight requirements for solar supports.
2Strength
If metallic materials (aluminum alloy or stainless steel) are used for solar support, then structural strength is ensured, but corrosion resistance deteriorates due to erosion by rain
Solution Approach 1:
The glass fiber reinforced plastic composite material provides inherent corrosion resistance as the plastic matrix does not rust or corrode like metals. The glass fibers are protected within the plastic matrix, preventing direct contact with corrosive environmental factors such as rain and moisture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the composition parameters including glass fiber content (30-65 wt%), plastic matrix type (polypropylene or nylon), and adds UV absorbers (0.1-1 wt%) and light stabilizers (0.1-1 wt%) to enhance both strength and corrosion resistance simultaneously through material formulation adjustments.
3Weight of moving object
If glass fiber content is increased to reduce weight, then weight decreases and corrosion resistance improves, but manufacturing complexity increases due to fiber length control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges: glass fiber length (5-25 μm), glass fiber content (30-65 wt%), and controlled fiber orientation. These parameter specifications standardize the manufacturing process, making it easier to control quality and reduce complexity despite the composite nature of the material.
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 composite material reduces the weight of solar supports, enhances anti-corrosion properties, and maintains mechanical performance under UV exposure, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for solar module supports.
Implementation Method 1
0.1 wt % to 1 wt % of an ultraviolet absorber
Implementation Method 2
0.1 wt % to 1 wt % of a light stabilizer
Data Source
AI summary
A long-fiber composite material for a solar module includes: (a) 35 wt % to 55 wt % of plastic masterbatches; (b) 30 wt % to 65 wt % of long glass fibers; (c) 0.1 wt % to 1 wt % of an ultraviolet absorber; and (d) 0.1 wt % to 1 wt % of a light stabilizer. The plastic masterbatches are polypropylene or nylon. A weight ratio of the plastic masterbatches to the long glass fibers ranges between 90:10 and 35:65.