Fiber-Reinforced Photovoltaic Panel Edge Sealing Against Moisture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lightweight photovoltaic panels using fiber composite materials for mechanical strength are prone to moisture ingress due to capillary action, leading to potential corrosion and delamination of electrically conductive components.
Innovation Solution
The front and back covers of the photovoltaic panel protrude beyond the fiber material at their edges, creating a fiber-free edge area where they are connected using a water and gas-tight sealing material, preventing moisture ingress and enhancing mechanical bonding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fiber composite material is installed right up to the edge of the panel, then mechanical strength is improved, but moisture ingress risk increases due to capillary action
Solution Approach 1:
The panel edge is segmented into two distinct zones: a fiber composite material zone for mechanical strength and a fiber-free sealing zone for moisture protection. This spatial segmentation allows each zone to perform its specialized function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the panel are assigned different material properties: the central area uses fiber composite material for strength, while the edge region uses sealing material with impermeable properties for moisture protection. This local differentiation optimizes both mechanical and protective functions.
2Weight of moving object
If fiber composite material is used over the entire panel surface, then lightweight and flexibility are achieved, but reliability decreases due to corrosion and delamination risks
Solution Approach 1:
The panel structure is divided into a fiber composite region for lightweight construction and a separate sealing region for reliability protection, preventing the fiber material from contacting moisture at the edges.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealing material acts as an intermediary barrier between the fiber composite material and the external environment, preventing direct contact between moisture and the fiber edges, thus protecting against corrosion and delamination.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sealing material is applied in the edge area free of fiber material, then moisture protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged with the edge region design, where the front and back covers are directly connected in the fiber-free zone. This integration eliminates the need for separate sealing components while maintaining protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The edge region serves multiple functions: it provides structural connection between covers, creates a barrier against capillary action, and enables sealing material application. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity.
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 effectively prevents moisture from entering the panel's layer structure, ensuring long-term functionality and mechanical stability by eliminating capillary action risks and improving adhesion within the layer structure.
Implementation Method 1
due to the capillary action of the fibers there is the possibility of increased moisture ingress
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
A photovoltaic panel comprises a flat and transparent front cover (4) on the side facing the light, a flat rear cover (5) on the side facing away from the light, wherein the front and rear covers (4, 5) each have a circumferential edge, and at least one solar cell (1) between the front and rear covers (4, 5). At least one fiber material (3) covering the at least one solar cell (1) is provided between the at least one solar cell (1) and the front cover (4) and/or between the at least one solar cell (1) and the rear cover (5), wherein the fiber material (3) is preferably a composite material, in particular a fiber-reinforced plastic.The front and back covers (4, 5) each project beyond the fiber material (3) towards their edges, such that the fiber material (3) is spaced from the edges of the front and back covers (4, 5) in such a way that an edge region (6) is free of fiber material (3). The front and back covers (4, 5) are joined together in the edge region (6) that is free of fiber material (3).