Photovoltaic Module Moisture-Absorbing Sealing for Longer Service Life

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging technologies for perovskite photovoltaic modules are inadequate in preventing moisture, oxygen, and pressure ingress, leading to reduced service life due to sensitivity of materials and aging of packaging materials.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a functional layer within the sealed space that absorbs moisture and converts into a solidified layer with higher cross-linking density, enhancing packaging tightness and adding a moisture detection layer to detect and locate moisture for re-packaging, thereby extending the service life of the photovoltaic module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing packaging technology is used, then the photovoltaic module can be sealed, but the packaging tightness is insufficient and moisture can still ingress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging tightnessVSAvoidmoisture ingress
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A functional layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the cell string and the external environment. This functional layer contains moisture-absorbing substances that actively capture and neutralize moisture molecules that penetrate through the primary packaging, preventing them from reaching and damaging the cell string. The functional layer acts as a secondary defense mechanism that complements the primary packaging seal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The functional layer is pre-installed within the sealed space before the module is put into service. It serves as a preemptive protective measure that is already in place to absorb any moisture that might ingress over time, cushioning the cell string against potential moisture damage before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If packaging materials are used to seal the photovoltaic module, then the cell string is protected initially, but the packaging materials age and lose effectiveness over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice lifeVSAvoidpackaging effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The functional layer is designed to be self-activating and self-sustaining. It automatically absorbs moisture upon contact without requiring external energy input or control systems. The moisture-absorbing substances in the functional layer continuously perform their protective function throughout the module's service life, providing ongoing maintenance of packaging effectiveness without additional intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The functional layer undergoes a physical or chemical parameter change when it absorbs moisture - it transitions from a dormant state to an active moisture-bound state. This parameter change allows the functional layer to dynamically adapt to the presence of moisture, maintaining packaging effectiveness even as the primary packaging materials age and their properties change over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a functional layer is added to absorb moisture, then packaging tightness is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture protectionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The functional layer is designed to perform multiple functions within a single component: it serves as both a structural element of the module and a moisture-absorbing protective layer. By integrating these functions into one component, the design avoids the need for separate moisture management systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving improved moisture protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 functional layer effectively blocks moisture ingress and the detection layer allows for timely re-packaging, significantly prolonging the service life of the photovoltaic module by ensuring a tighter seal and addressing material sensitivity issues.

Implementation Method 1

The functional layer is adaptive to absorb moisture and be converted into a solidified layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

converted into a solidified layer with a degree of cross linking greater than a degree of cross linking of the functional layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCross-linking: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP4106016B1Photovoltaic module
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 ZHEJIANG JINKO SOLAR CO LTD
  • EP4106016B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4106016B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4106016B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a photovoltaic module including a base plate, a cell string and a cover plate stacked in order; a first packaging layer located between the base plate and the cover plate and surrounding the cell string, the first packaging layer, the base plate and the cover plate defining a sealed space; and a moisture treatment layer located in the sealed space. The moisture treatment layer includes at least one of a functional layer and a moisture detection layer. The functional layer is adaptive to absorb moisture and be converted into a solidified layer, the solidified layer has a degree of cross linking greater than a degree of cross linking of the functional layer. The moisture detection layer is adaptive to detect and determine whether there is moisture in the sealed space through response information of the moisture detection layer.