Solar Module Insulating Adhesive for Frameless Carrier Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Solar modules experience potential-induced performance degradation due to high electrical field strengths between module carriers and photovoltaic layer structures, leading to corrosion and delamination, especially when grounded, which existing solutions attempt to mitigate with additional electrical components or inefficient inverters.

Innovation Solution

A solar module design featuring electrically highly insulating adhesive layers for attaching metallic module carriers to the substrate, which reduces electrical field strengths and prevents ion migration, thereby minimizing performance degradation without the need for additional electrical components or complex inverter adaptations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If module carriers are grounded to provide mechanical reinforcement and mounting, then mechanical strength and ease of mounting are improved, but electrical field strengths cause ion migration and performance degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidelectrical stability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An electrically insulating adhesive layer is introduced as an intermediary between the metallic module carrier and the photovoltaic layer structure. This adhesive layer mechanically bonds the carrier to the module while electrically isolating it, preventing ion migration and potential-induced performance degradation while maintaining the mechanical reinforcement function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive layer is applied specifically at the interface between the module carrier and the photovoltaic structure, providing localized electrical insulation exactly where the harmful electrical field interaction occurs, while allowing the rest of the module carrier to maintain its mechanical function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If additional electrical components are added to mitigate potential-induced degradation, then electrical stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical stabilityVSAvoidnumber of electrical components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrically insulating adhesive layer provides the electrical isolation function as an inherent property of the bonding material itself, eliminating the need for separate electrical isolation components. The adhesive simultaneously performs mechanical bonding and electrical insulation functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical bonding between carrier and substrate, electrical insulation to prevent ion migration, and potential spacing function. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated components

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

3Weight of moving object

If frameless module construction is used to reduce weight and cost, then weight and manufacturing cost are reduced, but mechanical reinforcement is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule weightVSAvoidmechanical reinforcement
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The electrically insulating adhesive layer acts as a thin film that provides both mechanical bonding and electrical insulation functions, enabling frameless construction while maintaining necessary mechanical reinforcement through the adhesive-bonded module carrier structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 use of highly insulating adhesives significantly reduces potential-induced performance degradation, maintaining solar module efficiency even under high voltage differences, and allows for frameless module construction with improved manufacturing simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

the adhesive layer contains or consists of an adhesive that is electrically highly insulating, at least in the hardened state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP3020073B1Solar module with electrically isolated module support, method for the production thereof and usage of a glue layer to attach said module support
Publication Date: 2021.10.27 CNBM RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED GLASS MATERIALS GROUP CO LTD
  • EP3020073B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3020073B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3020073B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a solar panel (1) comprising at least one substrate (2) and a cover layer (30) between which a layer structure (23) for forming solar cells (31) is arranged, and at least one panel support (4) which is arranged on a substrate surface (3) facing away from the layer structure (23) for reinforcing and/or supporting the mounting of the solar panel (1) which has at least one adhesive surface (19) which is adhered to the substrate surface (3) by at least one adhesive layer (20). The adhesive layer (20) contains a hardened, electrically highly-insulating adhesive (35).