Photovoltaic Module Electrolysis for Active Moisture Removal

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Photovoltaic modules, especially those with perovskite solar cells, face significant efficiency reduction and lifetime shortening due to moisture ingress, which existing encapsulation methods fail to prevent permanently.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an electrolysis unit within the photovoltaic module that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using a cathode, anode, and ion conductor, effectively dehumidifying the interior of the encapsulation device, with the option to operate using generated electrical energy and minimize energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If encapsulation with glass-glass or multilayer structures is used, then moisture protection is improved, but leakage rate and long-term moisture ingress risk remain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture protectionVSAvoidmoisture ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of moisture ingress into a beneficial process by using the entered moisture as the electrolyte for electrolysis. The moisture that penetrates the encapsulation is electrolyzed by the integrated electrolysis unit, splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen, thereby actively removing moisture from the encapsulation interior and converting the harmful substance into a useful function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrolysis unit is powered by the photovoltaic cell itself, creating a self-service system where the module uses its own generated electricity to actively dehumidify its interior. This self-powered mechanism continuously removes moisture without requiring external energy sources or maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If moisture-absorbing materials are introduced, then initial moisture protection is improved, but they become exhausted over time leading to long-term moisture ingress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture protectionVSAvoidprotection duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The electrolysis unit provides continuous active moisture removal as long as moisture enters the encapsulation and electricity is available. Unlike exhausted desiccants, the electrolysis process can operate indefinitely, continuously splitting any entered moisture into hydrogen and oxygen, thereby maintaining protection throughout the module's lifetime without degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the harmful moisture that enters the encapsulation into a useful electrolyte for the electrolysis process. The moisture that would normally cause degradation is instead utilized as the working substance for active dehumidification, turning a passive limitation into an active solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Productivity

If perovskite solar cells are used, then conversion efficiency is improved, but moisture sensitivity increases leading to serious damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconversion efficiencyVSAvoidmoisture sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrolysis unit converts the harmful moisture that perovskite cells are sensitive to into a useful electrolyte. By actively electrolyzing any entered moisture into hydrogen and oxygen, the system provides enhanced protection specifically tailored to the high moisture sensitivity of perovskite materials, enabling their use in practical applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The perovskite cell itself powers the electrolysis unit that protects it from moisture damage. This self-service mechanism creates a protective feedback loop where the high-efficiency perovskite cell generates electricity that actively removes moisture, thereby enabling the high efficiency to be maintained over time despite inherent moisture sensitivity.

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 solution ensures the interior of the photovoltaic module remains dry, significantly extending its lifespan and maintaining efficiency by actively removing moisture, particularly beneficial for perovskite solar cells prone to moisture damage.

Implementation Method 1

the electrolysis unit is configured to split water into hydrogen and oxygen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 2

an ion conductor connecting the cathode and anode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11821093B2Dehumidification of a photovoltaic module by means of electrolysis

Publication Date: 2023.11.21 SIEMENS ENERGY GLOBAL GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A photovoltaic module has at least one solar cell, wherein the solar cell is enclosed by an encapsulation apparatus, and an electrolysis unit for dehumidifying the interior of the encapsulation apparatus. The electrolysis unit has a cathode, an anode, and an ion conductor connecting the cathode and the anode. The electrolysis unit is designed to cleave water in hydrogen and oxygen. A method for dehumidifying a photovoltaic module is accomplished by the electrolysis unit.