Solar Panel Backside Coating for Local Crack Repair

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Solution Overview

Problem

Solar panel backboards deteriorate over time due to aging, cracking, and damage during transportation and installation, leading to safety and functional failures, with existing repair methods being costly, wasteful, and environmentally harmful, and lacking flexibility to address various types of defects.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the application and curing of a moisture curable composition on damaged solar panel backboards to repair scratches, holes, cracks, and micro-cracks, which is fast, economically effective, and environmentally friendly, allowing for on-site, waste-free restoration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the damaged solar module is replaced as a whole, then the functionality and safety are restored, but the cost increases extremely high and environmental pollution is caused

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule functionalityVSAvoidwaste generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local repair by targeting only the damaged backside areas of solar modules rather than replacing entire modules. The curable composition is applied locally to cracked or damaged regions, restoring functionality only where needed and minimizing material waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables recovery and continued use of solar modules that would otherwise be discarded. By repairing the backside damage in place, modules can be restored to functional status and remain in service, preventing them from becoming waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Reliability

If the damaged solar module is replaced as a whole, then the safety requirements are met, but the cost increases extremely high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety requirementVSAvoidreplacement cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent restores safety by applying curable composition specifically to damaged backside regions where cracks or damage compromise structural integrity. This localized reinforcement meets safety requirements without the expense of complete module replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses inexpensive curable composition materials to repair backside damage, providing a low-cost alternative to expensive module replacement while restoring safety and functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of repair

If traditional repair methods are used, then some damage can be addressed, but the methods are not environmentally friendly and create waste

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverepair capabilityVSAvoidenvironmental harm
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables repair capability by applying curable composition locally to damaged areas. This targeted approach maintains repair effectiveness while minimizing material consumption and environmental impact compared to whole-module replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent prevents environmental harm by recovering and continuing to use damaged solar modules through backside repair. Modules that would be discarded as waste are instead restored to service, reducing landfill burden and environmental pollution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

4Reliability

If whole module replacement is performed, then functionality is restored, but time and resources are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule functionalityVSAvoidreplacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent restores functionality by applying curable composition only to damaged backside regions rather than replacing entire modules. This localized approach significantly reduces repair time while achieving the same functional restoration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables quick repair by having curable composition ready for immediate application to damaged areas. The composition cures rapidly upon exposure to moisture, restoring functionality without the extended time required for module replacement logistics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method effectively repairs solar panel backboards, ensuring normal operation within the guaranteed period, reducing costs, minimizing environmental impact, and providing a flexible solution for diverse types of defects without the need for replacing entire modules.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one curable composition is a moisture curable composition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMoisture curing: Hydrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS20230275179A1Coating of Solar Panel Backside
Publication Date: 2023.08.31 HENKEL KGAA

AI summary

The present invention is directed to a method of repairing a solar panel backside, to a repaired solar panel backside thusly obtainable, and to the use of a curable composition for the repairing of a solar panel backside comprising at least one site in need of repair.