EU PVSEC Programme Online
EU PVSEC 2021, 6 - 10 September 2021
Presentation: 1AO.3.1 The Potential of Glass-Fibre-Reinforcement: (Thermo-)Mechanical Testing of Light-Weight PV Modules
Type: Oral
Date: Monday, 6th September 2021
17:00 - 18:30
Author(s): J. Govaerts, K. Moliya, B. Luo, T. Borgers, R. Van Dyck, A.S.H. van der Heide, L. Tous, A. Morlier, F. Lisco, L. Cerasti, M. Galiazzo, J. Poortmans
Presenter / Speaker: J. Govaerts, imec, Genk, Belgium
Event: Conference Conference
Session: 1AO.3 Innovative Approaches for Module Concepts
Topic: 1. 2 New Materials and Concepts for Cells and Modules
Keywords: VIPV, Light Weight, Materials, Fibre Reinforcement
Summary / Abstract: In this work we report on our approach on integrating c-Si PV into lightweight structures, in particular towards vehicle integration. To this end we want to get rid of the (bulk weight of the) glass but seek a suitable replacement in terms of mechanical stability. First we elaborate on the most basic standards and norms that VIPV products should relate to in terms of (thermo-)mechanical testing. Then, for the experimental part, 2 concepts are investigated. In a first approach, we reinforced the encapsulant with glass fibre material, while in a second one we applied a dedicated glass-fibre-reinforced sheet as a replacement of the backsheet. In both cases we stay as close as possible to using commercially available material. Extending our previously reported work, we then elaborate for each approach the testing that has been carried out so far, and what is still ongoing and being planned in the short-term future (before the conference): indicating the promising results so far on thermal cycling and vibration testing, the hail impact testing is a challenge to be tackled still