Photovoltaic Module Edge Sealing and Polyolefin Encapsulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing photovoltaic cell modules face issues with water vapor ingress, degradation of encapsulation materials, and vulnerability at edges and corners due to lack of frame protection, leading to reduced service life and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A photovoltaic cell module design featuring a transparent upper cover plate, first and second polyolefin encapsulation layers, and a backplane with an end part sealing block, which enhances weather resistance, prevents water vapor entry, and provides edge protection using a frame and reflecting coating to improve adhesive strength and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If tempered glass is used as backplane with airtight effect, then water vapor entry is prevented, but water vapor can still enter through encapsulation film at glass edges and acetic acid erosion occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater vapor preventionVSAvoidacetic acid erosion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The module is divided into distinct functional zones: the glass edges form a first sealing layer, the end part sealing block forms a second sealing layer at peripheral regions, and the encapsulation film forms a third sealing layer. This multi-layer segmentation creates redundant protection against water vapor and acetic acid erosion at the vulnerable glass edge regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The end part sealing block acts as an intermediary element positioned between the glass edges and the encapsulation film. It provides additional protection by sealing the gap between glass pieces and preventing acetic acid from reaching the encapsulation film, while also reinforcing the fragile glass edges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If white EVA or PVB layer is used in back surface, then encapsulation is provided, but white part spreads to front surface over time blocking cells and causing hot spots

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencapsulation protectionVSAvoidmodule efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the material parameter of the encapsulation film from conventional EVA or PVB to polyolefin material. This material substitution prevents the whitening and degradation issues that cause white part spreading to the front surface, while maintaining adequate encapsulation protection for the cells.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If no frame is used at module edges, then structure is simplified, but edges and corners of tempered glass are vulnerable to cracking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidedge strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The end part sealing block functions as a protective shell or frameless border that reinforces the glass edges and corners without requiring a traditional rigid frame structure. This provides mechanical strength to prevent cracking while maintaining the frameless aesthetic and simplicity of the module design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 significantly prolongs the service life of the module by preventing water vapor ingress, reducing degradation, and enhancing structural integrity and efficiency through improved adhesive strength and edge protection.

Implementation Method 1

have an advantage of being capable of letting an ultraviolet light absorbed by an EVA ultraviolet absorber run through, and then the run through ultraviolet light may be converted into electrical energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

an end part sealing block is further disposed between the transparent upper cover plate and the backplane, and the end part sealing block is located at peripheries of the first polyolefin encapsulation layer, the cell group layer, and the second polyolefin encapsulation layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 3

a transparent upper cover plate, a first polyolefin encapsulation layer, a cell group layer, a second polyolefin encapsulation layer, and a backplane that are sequentially disposed in a laminated manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS9997658B2Photovoltaic cell module
Publication Date: 2018.06.12 BYD CO LTD

AI summary

A photovoltaic cell module includes: a transparent upper cover plate, a first polyolefin encapsulation layer, a cell group layer, a second polyolefin encapsulation layer, and a backplane that are sequentially disposed in a laminated manner, where outer edges of the transparent upper cover plate and the backplane exceed outer edges of the first polyolefin encapsulation layer, the cell group layer, and the second polyolefin encapsulation layer, an end part sealing block is further disposed between the transparent upper cover plate and the backplane, and the end part sealing block is located at peripheries of the first polyolefin encapsulation layer, the cell group layer, and the second polyolefin encapsulation layer.