Photovoltaic Roofing Tie Layer Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in forming a long-lasting physical connection between photovoltaic elements and roofing substrates, particularly when the photovoltaic elements have low surface tension, and adhesion issues arise, especially around the periphery of the photovoltaic elements.
Innovation Solution
A tie layer system is introduced between the encapsulated photovoltaic element and the roofing substrate, comprising a polymeric material with specific surface tension and viscoelastic properties, which provides enhanced adhesion and can withstand severe outdoor conditions, including a configuration where the distance between the substrate and photovoltaic element is greater at the periphery than at the center to reduce thermomechanical stresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If photovoltaic elements with low surface tension are used, then light transmissivity is improved, but adhesion to roofing substrate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A tie layer system comprising a polymeric material is introduced as an intermediary between the photovoltaic element and roofing substrate. This tie layer has optimized surface tension properties that enable it to bond to both the low surface tension photovoltaic element and the roofing substrate, thereby resolving the adhesion problem while preserving the light transmissive properties of the photovoltaic element.
Solution Approach 2:
The tie layer system uses a composite polymeric material with specifically engineered properties including controlled surface tension, viscoelasticity, and UV stability. This composite material combines multiple functional characteristics to simultaneously achieve adhesion to photovoltaic elements with low surface tension while maintaining long-term durability in outdoor conditions.
2Reliability
If tie layer system is added to improve adhesion, then bond strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tie layer system is implemented as a thin polymeric film or layer that can be applied between the photovoltaic element and substrate. This thin-film approach provides the necessary adhesion and protective functions without adding significant structural complexity or thickness to the overall assembly.
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 tie layer system ensures strong and durable adhesion between the photovoltaic elements and the roofing substrate, maintaining bond strength over an extended period, even in harsh outdoor conditions, thereby enhancing the performance and longevity of photovoltaic roofing elements.
Implementation Method 1
a tie layer system disposed between the encapsulated photovoltaic element and the roofing substrate and joining the bottom surface of the encapsulated photovoltaic element to the top surface of the roofing substrate
Implementation Method 2
comprising a polymeric material with specific surface tension and viscoelastic properties, which provides enhanced adhesion and can withstand severe outdoor conditions
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to photovoltaic devices. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic roofing products in which a photovoltaic element is joined to a roofing substrate. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a photovoltaic roofing element comprising: an encapsulated photovoltaic element having a top surface and a bottom surface, a top layer material at its top surface and a bottom layer material at its bottom surface; a roofing substrate having a top surface; and a tie layer system disposed between the encapsulated photovoltaic element and the roofing substrate and joining the bottom surface of the encapsulated photovoltaic element to the top surface of the roofing substrate.