Photovoltaic Concentrator Frame Sealing for Moisture Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photovoltaic concentrator modules face challenges with moisture ingress, corrosion of contacts, and difficulty in integrating additional components due to small sealing surfaces and complex manufacturing processes, leading to reduced durability and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic concentrator module design featuring a lens plate and base plate with a multifunction frame that uses different sealing compounds and hollow profiles with sorption agents, allowing for precise spacing and integration of components like filters and electrical leadthroughs, enhancing sealing and ventilation while enabling flexible production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a glass frame with single sealing compound is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the sealing reliability is insufficient leading to moisture ingress and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into multiple sealing compounds (first sealing compound and second sealing compound) applied in sequence, creating multiple barrier layers that collectively prevent moisture ingress while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through a systematic multi-step sealing process
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure combines glass plates with multiple sealing compounds to create a composite sealing system that leverages the complementary properties of different materials - the rigidity and transparency of glass combined with the moisture-resistant properties of multiple sealing compounds - achieving superior sealing reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional components are integrated into the module, then the functionality is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is designed as a multi-functional universal component that simultaneously provides mechanical support, sealing, ventilation pathways, and mounting capabilities for additional components, thereby enhancing functionality without proportionally increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions are merged into the frame structure - the same frame that provides structural support also incorporates sealing channels, ventilation openings, and mounting features, consolidating multiple functions into a single integrated component rather than adding separate structures for each function
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 module achieves improved durability, reduced moisture ingress, and cost-effective production with enhanced integration of additional components, ensuring efficient illumination and long-term performance.
Implementation Method 1
the frame (3) comprises hollow profiles which are filled with sorption agents (11)
Implementation Method 2
an optical concentrator is situated on the upper plane... an arrangement of point-focusing lenses... concentrate the sunlight by a geometric factor of 500
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a photovoltaic concentrator module with multifunction frame and also to a method for production thereof. The concentrator module has a lens- and a base plate, between which a frame extends. Between the lens plate and the frame and/or the base plate and the frame, two sealing compounds and/or adhesive compounds extend, which compounds differ with respect to their hardening time and/or gas permeability.