PV Module Encapsulant Film Organoclay Leakage Current

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Solution Overview

Problem

Photovoltaic (PV) module encapsulant films face challenges with low electrical volume resistivity, leading to increased leakage current and power loss, which affects the efficiency of PV modules.

Innovation Solution

The use of high melting point polyolefin resins, such as propylene-based polymers, and crystalline block copolymer composites in the backsheet of PV modules to enhance electrical resistivity, combined with organoclay to capture charges and reduce leakage current.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional encapsulant films are used, then the PV module structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the electrical volume resistivity is low leading to high leakage current and power loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower lossVSAvoidencapsulant film composition
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining polyolefin resin with organoclay to create an encapsulant film with enhanced electrical volume resistivity. The organoclay acts as a charge-trapping filler that complements the polyolefin base material, forming a composite structure that reduces leakage current while maintaining the overall simplicity of the PV module design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameters of the encapsulant film by incorporating organoclay, which fundamentally alters the volume resistivity from conventional low values to significantly higher values. This parameter change directly addresses the power loss issue by reducing leakage current through the modified electrical properties of the composite material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If organoclay is added to polyolefin resin, then the volume resistivity increases and leakage current decreases, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical resistivityVSAvoidencapsulant film production
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the organoclay content parameter within specific ranges (0.1-10 wt%, preferably 0.5-5 wt%) to achieve the desired electrical resistivity improvement while minimizing manufacturing complexity. By establishing precise parameter ranges, the patent balances performance enhancement with ease of production, ensuring that the composite material can be manufactured without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If high organoclay content is used, then the volume resistivity is maximized, but the mechanical properties and processability of the film may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleakage currentVSAvoidfilm mechanical properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes optimal parameter ranges for organoclay content (0.1-10 wt%, preferably 0.5-5 wt%) that balance electrical performance with mechanical integrity. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient volume resistivity improvement to reduce leakage current while maintaining adequate film strength and processability for practical manufacturing and application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution significantly reduces leakage current and improves the efficiency of PV modules by increasing the volume resistivity of the encapsulant films, leading to better power retention and module performance over time.

Implementation Method 1

combined with organoclay to capture charges and reduce leakage current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCharge capture: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP3161876B1Photovoltaic modules comprising organoclay
Publication Date: 2020.05.20 DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • EP3161876B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3161876B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3161876B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

PV modules with improved volume resistivity comprise an encapsulant film and a polyolefin backsheet at least one of which comprises organoclay.