Single-Polymer PV Laminate Backsheet for Lower Cell Stress
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Photovoltaic (PV) laminates face challenges in withstanding live loads such as snow, wind, and impact projectiles, which can cause stress and cracking on PV cells, and existing materials like glass are heavy and may not provide optimal mechanical performance.
Innovation Solution
Employing single polymer composite (SPC) layers with a binder and reinforcement made from the same polymer, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), to create a stiff back-sheet that reduces stress on PV cells and enhances mechanical load performance, while being lighter in weight compared to traditional materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If glass is used as the top layer of PV laminate, then structural performance and protection are improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials consisting of a polymer matrix combined with reinforcing fibers or particles to create lightweight yet strong protective layers. These composites provide the necessary structural performance and protection while significantly reducing weight compared to traditional glass materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies material parameters by transitioning from dense glass to polymer-based composite materials with optimized fiber content, distribution, and orientation. This parameter change achieves a favorable balance between strength, weight, and other performance characteristics.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional materials are used to withstand live loads, then protection against environmental factors is improved, but mechanical performance under load deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials with polymer matrices and reinforcing phases to simultaneously achieve environmental protection and superior mechanical performance. The composite structure provides both protective functionality and enhanced strength to withstand live loads such as snow, wind, and impact projectiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality enhancement by strategically placing reinforcing fibers or particles in regions experiencing highest stress concentrations. This localized reinforcement optimizes mechanical performance where needed while maintaining overall protection against environmental factors.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If heavier materials are used to increase structural performance, then durability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials that provide enhanced durability through optimized material composition and structure without increasing weight. The composite design allows for improved long-term performance and resistance to degradation while maintaining lightweight characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves improved durability through parameter optimization of the composite materials, including polymer selection, fiber type and orientation, and manufacturing process parameters. These parameter changes enhance durability while controlling weight.
Data Source
AI summary
Photovoltaic (PV) laminates employ single polymer composites (SPCs). The SPCs may be located at various locations of the PV laminate. These locations may include being positioned as an entire back-sheet of the PV laminate as well as, as a portion of a back-sheet or other layer of the PV laminate. The SPCs may be positioned and configured in the PV laminate so as to reduce tensile and compressive forces developed on PV cells from live normal loads or other live loads or dead loads experienced by the PV laminate. The SPCs can serve to reduce the weight of a PV laminate as well as to assist in having PV cells lie along the neutral axis of the PV laminate.