Photovoltaic Module Adhesion to Fresh Concrete

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for integrating photovoltaic modules into concrete structures are complex and difficult to scale for mass production, requiring specialized labor and additional supporting structures, which complicates the process and increases resource usage.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the direct adherence of photovoltaic modules to fresh concrete using a structural adhesive material, which simplifies the installation process by eliminating the need for pre-hardened concrete and supporting structures, allowing for quicker installation and easier integration of electrical connectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If photovoltaic modules are adhered to fresh concrete using structural adhesive material, then manufacturing time is reduced and process is simplified, but adhesion reliability may be compromised due to the immature state of fresh concrete

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing timeVSAvoidadhesion reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The photovoltaic modules are positioned and adhered to the formwork before the concrete is poured and hardened. This preliminary action allows the modules to be integrated into the concrete structure during the pouring process itself, eliminating the need to wait for concrete hardening and subsequent installation operations, thus significantly reducing manufacturing time while maintaining adhesion reliability through proper adhesive selection and application

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A structural adhesive material serves as an intermediary between the photovoltaic modules and the fresh concrete. This adhesive is specifically selected to maintain its bonding properties when applied to fresh concrete, acting as a mediator that ensures reliable adhesion despite the immature state of the concrete, thereby enabling time reduction without compromising reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If complex techniques such as vacuum deposition and polymerization are used to deposit photovoltaic layers on hardened concrete, then adhesion is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of mass production increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadhesionVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex deposition processes (vacuum deposition, polymerization) are extracted and eliminated from the manufacturing method. Instead, the patent uses a straightforward approach of positioning photovoltaic modules directly on formwork and adhering them with structural adhesive, achieving reliable adhesion through simple, conventional construction techniques that are easy to master and scale for mass production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The formwork structure itself serves the dual purpose of shaping the concrete and providing a support surface for positioning and adhering the photovoltaic modules during the pouring process. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate complex deposition equipment and processes, simplifying the overall manufacturing system while maintaining adhesion reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This approach significantly reduces manufacturing time, avoids water degassing issues, and enhances the adhesion of photovoltaic modules to concrete, making the process more efficient and scalable for industrial production.

Implementation Method 1

adhering a photovoltaic module to fresh concrete with a structural adhesive material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3352959B1Method for manufacturing a pre-fabricated photovoltaic construction element
Publication Date: 2021.08.18 HOLCIM TECHNOLOGY LTD
  • EP3352959B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3352959B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a pre-fabricated element (1) for construction and electricity production. Said method includes the following steps: providing a formwork mould (4) and placing at least one photovoltaic module (2) in the formwork mould (4), and for this purpose: vertically positioning the photovoltaic module (2) against or in replacement of one of the walls (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) of the formwork mould (4), the front surface (2a) of the at least one photovoltaic module (2) being arranged so as to face an area of the space (E) located outside the mould (4); depositing an adhesive structural material (3) or a mixture of adhesive structural materials (3) on all or part of the rear surface (2b) of the at least one photovoltaic module (2), which surface is arranged so as to face an area of the space (I) located inside the mould (4), the adhesive structural material containing at least one polymer from the epoxide, polyurethane, acrylic, or styrene/acrylic family; and pouring fresh concrete (6) into the formwork mould (4) so as to cover the adhesive structural material (3).